Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

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

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.