Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed 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 post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.