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

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

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games.

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