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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start 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 secure a better European position with good results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.