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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk 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 for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.