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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

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

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.