Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester 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 ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions 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 words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.