Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

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

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

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.