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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother 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 solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

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

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.