Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

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