Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked 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 Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed 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 attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.