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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

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

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect 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 for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable 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 leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.