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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking 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 persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games.

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