Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.