Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.