Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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 ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

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

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.