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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.