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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about 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 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

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

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers 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 strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.