Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

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

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

When pressed 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 press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.