Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.