Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

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

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.