Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

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

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

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

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.

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