Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 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 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 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 lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.