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Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting Enzo Maresca could replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if the Catalan coach leaves the Etihad in the summer.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has shut down reports suggesting he could replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Reports surfaced on Thursday suggesting the Chelsea boss could be the successor to Guardiola should the Catalan head coach leave the Etihad in the summer.
Guardiola's current City deal is set to run until 2027 having signed a contract extension in 2024, but that hasn't stopped speculation over an early departure from the Etihad. Maresca conducted his pre-match press conference on Friday morning and was asked a number of questions relating to the reports. The Chelsea boss claimed he wasn't distracted by the links before going on to confirm he would be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Asked if he could promise he would still be Chelsea boss next term, Maresca said: "Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029. It's speculation, 100 per cent. I don't have anything to add. I don't pay attention."
Maresca continued: "It [the rumour] doesn't affect me at all. I know that it is 100 per cent speculation and, in this moment, there is no time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is about this club. I'm very proud to be here. It's speculation. One week ago, it was the same with Juventus, so I don't pay attention.
"Again, it's just speculation. It's important to understand the reason why this news was there, but it's not my job. I don't care at all and the focus is on the Newcastle game."
Maresca was asked whether he had spoken to the Chelsea hierarchy, responding: "About Everton press conference? No. About different things? Yes, we are in the same building."
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