Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.