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

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.