Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester 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 Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.