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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.