Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

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