Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer 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 in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager 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 building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.