Chelsea 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

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

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.