The Blues boss has been touted as Pep Guardiola’s successor in the North of England
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions linking him with a future move to Manchester City, insisting reports naming him as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola are “100% speculation”.
Maresca previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City, and recent reports have suggested his former mentor could step aside at the end of the season. However, the Italian coach has played down any notion that he could be in line to replace him.
Appointed by Chelsea in June 2024, Maresca is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, with the option of a further year.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things,” Maresca said.
“First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation.
“One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true.”
Chelsea, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League, face Newcastle on Saturday in the 12:30 kick-off.
Maresca’s comments follow his admission that he endured his “worst 48 hours” at the club after last weekend’s 2-0 home win over Everton.
That remark led to speculation about tensions between the manager and the club’s senior hierarchy, including controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
When questioned on whether he had held discussions with those figures, Maresca played down any suggestion of discord.
“We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no,” he said.
Maresca also made clear he expects to remain in charge next season, responding “absolutely, yes” when asked directly, and called on supporters to stay behind the team.
There was also some positive news on the injury front. Maresca revealed that forwards Liam Delap, who has a shoulder issue, and Estevao, sidelined with a muscle problem, could return sooner than anticipated, with the match against Aston Villa on 27 December a potential target.
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