Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.