Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"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 until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards 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 apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.