Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

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

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk 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 the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games.

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