Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the 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 sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

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