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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement 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 key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.