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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"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, Primarily, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.

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