Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club'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 did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their final games.

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