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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.