Chelsea 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 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 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 for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

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

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.