Enzo Maresca: Chelsea head coach dismisses reports linking him to Man City as ‘100% speculation’ | Football news
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed reports naming him as Pep Guardiola’s potential successor at Manchester City, calling them “100 per cent speculation”.
THURSDAY, Athletics reported that the Italian was among the candidates being considered to replace Guardiola, should he leave the club this summer.
Guardiola’s current deal with City runs until 2027, but it is understood the club are making contingency plans for when the six-time Premier League champion decides to walk away.
Maresca was one of Guardiola’s assistant managers during their 2022/23 treble season, before winning the Sky Bet Championship with Leicester and two trophies with Chelsea as head coach himself.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s just speculation,” Maresca said in his press conference on Friday morning, ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday.
“At the moment we don’t have time for this kind of thing, first of all because I have a contract here until 2029.
“I’ve said it many times, I’m just focused on this club and I’m very proud to be here.
“It’s speculation. A week ago, in Italy, it was the same thing with Juventus.
“I don’t pay attention to it because I know it’s not true.
“Now it’s important to understand why this news happened. But it’s not my job, I don’t care at all.”
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Kaveh Solhekol explains reports Maresca could replace Guardiola at end of season
He was then asked if he could promise his supporters that he would be at Chelsea next season.
“Absolutely, yes,” he replied.
“Again, I have a contract until 2029 and this is just speculation.
“I don’t have anything to add because I’m not paying attention to it, and if we keep talking about it, that means I’m paying attention to it.
“I’m just focused on the Newcastle game and my job.”
