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

Chelsea gaffer 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked 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 press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final games.

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