Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager 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 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 just about this club and I'm very proud 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 not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.