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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"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, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.