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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention 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 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, 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 revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

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

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

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