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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible 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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.