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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.