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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.