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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent 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 situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.