Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.