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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

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

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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.