Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, 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 remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their final games.

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