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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 without foundation."

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

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived 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 matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.