Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club'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 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 more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent 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 in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final matches.

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