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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, 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 stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.