Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

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

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 for several more years. And my focus, 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.