Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.