Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the 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 brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

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