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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return 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 speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing 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 on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.