Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses 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 assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.