Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.