Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their final matches.

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