Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 said. "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 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 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.