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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.