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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 have stated many times, is just about 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

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

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches.

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