Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

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

Maresca, named 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 bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain 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 situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.