Enzo Maresca dismisses Man City managerial links as ‘100 per cent speculation’
By Robert O'Connor, Press Association
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca dismissed as “100 per cent speculation” reports that he could replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
It was reported on Thursday that City have placed the Italian on a list of candidates should Guardiola walk away at the end of the season.
Maresca served as Under-23 coach and later as an assistant to his former mentor at the Etihad before leaving to join Leicester in 2023.
It comes days after he refused to clarify comments that appeared to take aim at a lack of support coming from his Stamford Bridge bosses, a stance which intensified speculation that relations had deteriorated internally at the club.
Asked about the City links ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Maresca said: “It doesn’t affect me. It’s 100 per cent speculation.
“There is no time for this kind of thing. I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just about this club. I’m very proud to be here.
“It’s speculation. One week ago was the same thing with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true.
“It’s important to understand the reason why this news was there. It’s not my job, I don’t care at all. The players are focused on Newcastle.
Asked whether he could promise he would be at Chelsea next season, he said: “Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029.
“This is speculation, 100 per cent. I don’t have nothing to add. I don’t pay attention. If we continue to talk about it it means I’m paying attention. I’m just focused on Newcastle and on my job.”
Maresca claimed after last weekend’s win over Everton that the previous 48 hours had been his worst at the club and that he and his players had not received the support he expected – from unnamed parties – during a difficult run of results.
He refused to expand on those remarks when addressing the media on Monday.
There has been criticism this season of Chelsea’s rotation policy which at times has left the team looking disjointed and poorly organised.
Defeats to Leeds and Atalanta as well as a drab goalless draw with Bournemouth appeared to validate those criticisms, though it is understood that club bosses privately back the selection policy as it gives valuable playing time to the younger, less experienced players who have been signed.
Maresca has been given a squad that has been apparent at times, particularly in difficult assignments such as away at Elland Road where the team has lacked leadership.
On his relationship with the hierarchy, he said: “We are in the same building so you speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference? Nothing.” He added that things were “absolutely” OK between him and those in charge.
Striker Liam Delap is set for a sooner-than-expected return from the shoulder injury he sustained at the Vitality Stadium two weeks ago, with the £30million signing set for a possible comeback against Aston Villa on December 27.
