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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined 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 club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.