Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

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

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.