Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' 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 right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

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

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.