Enzo Maresca dismisses Manchester City speculation
Enzo Maresca has firmly rejected suggestions he could leave Chelsea to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, labelling the reports as “100 per cent speculation,” reports BritPanorama.
The 45-year-old Italian addressed the rumours at his press conference on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League fixture at Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime. “It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s 100 per cent speculation. In this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things, first of all because I have a contract here until 2029,” Maresca stated.
The speculation emerged following reports on Thursday that Manchester City included Maresca on their shortlist of potential candidates should Guardiola depart at the end of the current campaign. Known for his well-established relationship with the Etihad, Maresca has previously worked under Guardiola as both Under-23 coach and assistant manager before departing to take charge of Leicester in 2023.
The Athletic reported this week that Chelsea’s head coach could be considered as a replacement for his former mentor, whose contract with City runs until 2027. When asked directly whether he could guarantee his presence at Stamford Bridge beyond this season, Maresca replied unequivocally, “Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029.”
Despite the swirling rumours, Maresca made clear he had no intention of entertaining further questions on the matter, suggesting that continued discussion would only validate the speculation. “This is speculation, 100 per cent. I don’t have nothing to add. I don’t pay attention,” he said, adding, “If we continue to talk about it it means I’m paying attention. I’m just focused on Newcastle and on my job.”
The head coach’s comments come after he described a challenging period for his team following Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend, referring to it as his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club in June. However, he later indicated that his relationship with the club hierarchy remains intact, asserting that things were “absolutely” okay between himself and those in charge.
In the world of football management, uncertainty often looms, and the narrative will surely twist again. Yet for now, Maresca is planting his feet firmly at Chelsea, focused on the next match rather than the rumours that swirl like autumn leaves around the Premier League.
