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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

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

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.