Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 very proud 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 fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.