Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.