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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 until 2029. And my attention, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "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 definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.