Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Comments

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

Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.