Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" 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 be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.