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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 just about 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

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

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived 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 situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.