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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks 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 Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, 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 brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.