Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has moved swiftly to quash rumours suggesting he could be in line to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Italian boss has labelled the speculation as completely unfounded and reaffirmed his dedication to the project in West London.
Maresca's Firm Rejection of Speculation
Speaking on Friday 19 December 2025, Maresca was unequivocal in his response to the emerging reports. He stated that the talk of a potential move to the Etihad Stadium was "100 per cent" untrue and nothing more than baseless conjecture. The manager's focus, he insisted, remains squarely on his current role at Chelsea, where he is under contract until 2029.
Pointing to Chelsea's Progress
In a clear message to the club's supporters, Maresca highlighted the progress made since his arrival. He pointed to the tangible success of winning two trophies last season and guiding the team to a third semi-final in just 18 months. These achievements, he argued, are evidence of a squad moving in the right direction and a project he is determined to continue building.
"I have a contract here, and my mind is only on achieving more with Chelsea," Maresca emphasised, seeking to draw a line under the distracting rumours.
Context of Recent Comments
The speculation regarding Maresca's future followed closely on the heels of cryptic comments he made earlier in the week. The manager had revealed he experienced "the worst 48 hours" of his tenure at the club due to an apparent lack of support, though he declined to elaborate on the specific nature of the issue.
This earlier admission had inevitably fuelled questions about his satisfaction at Stamford Bridge. However, his latest, forceful dismissal of the Manchester City links appears designed to reassure all parties of his commitment, despite any internal challenges that may have arisen.
The situation underscores the constant scrutiny and pressure facing managers at elite Premier League clubs, where any hint of uncertainty can trigger a wave of transfer and succession rumours, especially concerning a potential vacancy at a club of City's stature.
