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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk 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, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed 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 latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.