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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 until 2029. And my attention, 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 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

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

The Italian 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 attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.