Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.