Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked 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 press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.