Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

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