Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

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

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, 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 more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.