Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has emphatically shut down mounting speculation that he could be in line to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, declaring he will 'absolutely' remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
Maresca Addresses the Rumours Head-On
Speaking to the media at Chelsea's Cobham training base on Friday morning, ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Newcastle United, Maresca directly confronted the recent reports. The Italian, who worked as an assistant to Guardiola during Manchester City's historic treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, was asked if he could promise his future lay with Chelsea.
"Absolutely, yes," Maresca stated firmly. "I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation, 100 per cent." He went on to explain that he does not pay attention to such talk, insisting his sole focus is on the immediate task of preparing his team for the match at St James' Park.
A Week of Distraction for the Blues
The rumours gained traction this week, partly fuelled by Maresca's recent decision to be represented by influential 'super agent' Jorge Mendes and some of his own unusual comments in recent press conferences. This has created an unwelcome distraction for a club that has enjoyed a positive week on the pitch, with a Premier League win over Everton and a Carabao Cup quarter-final victory against Cardiff City.
Maresca drew a parallel with similar speculation just a week earlier linking him to the managerial vacancy at Juventus, dismissing both stories as unfounded. "I don't pay attention because I know that is not true. It's just speculation," he reiterated.
Chelsea's Stance and Contract Security
While Chelsea declined to officially comment on the Manchester City rumours on Thursday, the club's position is understood to be relaxed. This confidence stems from Maresca's long-term contractual commitment; he signed a five-year deal upon his arrival last year, and the club holds an option to extend that agreement until 2030.
When asked if he had discussed the matter with the club's sporting directors, Maresca confirmed they speak regularly but not about the press conference chatter. His final message was directed at the Chelsea supporters: "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."
With his future publicly reaffirmed, Maresca will now aim to channel all focus back to Chelsea's Premier League campaign, starting with the challenging trip to Newcastle on Saturday.
