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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters 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 did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.