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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.