Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

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

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.