Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans 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 on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final games.

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