Enzo Maresca dismissed the suggestion that he could succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as ‘speculation’, insisting he will ‘absolutely’ still be the head coach of Chelsea next season.
Maresca addressed the media at their Cobham training base on Friday morning ahead of Saturday’s Premier League lunchtime showdown at St James’ Park.
It was his first time speaking since reports emerged suggesting Maresca is a contender for the City job in case Guardiola exits the Etihad Stadium next summer.
Maresca assisted Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season of 2022-23, recently switched to be represented by the ‘super agent’ Jorge Mendes, and has invited speculation after making unusual comments in press conferences of late.
Asked if he can ‘promise’ that he will still be at Chelsea next season, Maresca said: ‘Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation, 100 per cent.
‘I don’t have anything to add, because again, I don’t pay attention. If we continue to talk about that, that means that I’m paying attention to that, but I’m not focused on that.
Enzo Maresca has shot down speculation surrounding his future at Chelsea. The Italian is reportedly a contender to replace Pep Guardiola if he leaves Man City in the summer
‘I’m focused on the Newcastle game. I’m focused on my job. Again, I signed a contract last year until 2029. I’m happy with that, and no more than that.
‘It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100 per cent speculation. In this moment, there is no time for these kind of things. First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. My focus is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. Again, it’s speculation.
‘One week ago in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true. It’s just speculation. Now, it’s important to understand the reason why this news was there. But it’s not my job, I don’t care at all. It’s just a speculation. The players, they are focused on a Newcastle game that is very important and very difficult.’
Asked whether he had spoken to Chelsea’s sporting directors, Maresca said: ‘Yes, we are in the same building. We speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference? No.’
On whether he had a message for Chelsea’s fans, he added: ‘Just to continue to support the team in the way they have done since I joined the club and also in the past. Trust the process from the team, from the club, from everyone. I’m completely focused on Newcastle.’
Chelsea declined to respond to the City rumours on Thursday but it is understood they are relaxed as Maresca is technically contracted to 2030, because the club have the option of an extra year.
It has been a strange week for the Blues, who beat Everton in the Premier League on Saturday and Cardiff to reach the Carabao Cup’s semi-finals on Tuesday yet have had to deal with speculation surrounding their head coach’s future.
