Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

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

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