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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 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 not true."

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

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.