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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running 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 no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign 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 in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue 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 atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.