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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

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

"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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.