Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their remaining games.

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