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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.