Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

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