Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 focus, 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain 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 return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.