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Enzo Maresca took his press conference on Friday morning with the Chelsea head coach asked repeatedly about speculation that Manchester City are interested in him
Enzo Maresca has promised he will be the Chelsea head coach next season despite interest from Manchester City in the Italian.
Reports emerged on Thursday that City are keen admirers of Maresca, who used to work at the Etihad Stadium, with there being a growing anticipation that Pep Guardiola will leave his role at the end of the season.
Guardiola's former assistant Maresca is on City's list, with the Manchester club preparing for life without their manager, who is approaching a decade at the Etihad.
However, Maresca has played down what he called "speculation" linking him with the job and reassured Chelsea supporters that he will be at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
When asked if he could promise that he would still be Blues head coach next season, Maresca replied: "Absolutely, yes. Again, I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation 100%.
"So I don't have nothing to add, because again, I don't pay attention. And if we continue to talk about that, that means I am paying attention to that. But I'm not focused on that.
"I'm just 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.
"Absolutely [he still has much more to achieve at Chelsea], yes. Again, the other day, we achieved the third semi-final in 18 months. Last year, again, I think was good also in terms of trophies, finishing fourth in the Premier League, bringing this club, playing in the Champions League. And now the target is to try to improve what we did last season."
While there is plenty of outside noise at the moment, Maresca has insisted his focus is fully on Chelsea's trip to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
"No, it doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And in this moment, there is no time for these kind of things.
"First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here.
"But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
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