Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.