Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable speculation 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 Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

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