Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.