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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly 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 league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.