Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.