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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't bother 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 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 fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.