Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.