Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.