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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely 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 be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.