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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension 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 such distractions."

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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.