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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking 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, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain 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 be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.