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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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 surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final games.

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