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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting 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 rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.