Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.