Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.