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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.