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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.