Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

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

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.