Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.