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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.