Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours 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 affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.