Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "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 rumour. 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled 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 Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated 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.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
