Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't affect 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, 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 indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

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