Chelsea Boss 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 once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"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, "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 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement 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 speak about various topics. 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their final matches.

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