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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 until 2029. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.