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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running 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 little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions Following Recent Comments

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

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.