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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

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