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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.