Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain 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 publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.