Maresca dismisses Manchester City succession rumours
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has insisted his focus remains firmly on his current role after reports linked him with a potential future move to Manchester City.
Speaking on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Newcastle, Maresca said suggestions he could succeed Pep Guardiola were unfounded and had no bearing on his work at Stamford Bridge.
“I know it’s 100 per cent speculation,” Maresca said. “It doesn’t affect me at all.”
The comments came after The Athletic reported that Maresca is among several coaches being discussed internally at Manchester City as part of long-term contingency planning, should Guardiola eventually decide to step away from the club.
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Guardiola, who has guided City to six Premier League titles, is under contract until 2027. While there has been no indication he intends to leave in the near future, elite clubs commonly assess future options well in advance.
Maresca’s name has attracted attention following his rapid rise as a head coach. After working under Guardiola during City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season, the Italian led Leicester City to the Championship title before taking charge at Chelsea, where he has since added domestic silverware.
Despite that trajectory, Maresca was emphatic that his priorities have not changed.
“At this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things,” he said. “First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. I’ve said many times that my focus is just about this club, and I’m very proud to be here.”
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He added that similar speculation had surfaced recently in Italy, linking him with Juventus, and said he had paid it little attention.
“It’s the same story,” Maresca said. “One week ago, in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true.”
When asked directly whether he could assure supporters he would still be Chelsea head coach next season, Maresca offered an unequivocal response.
“Absolutely, yes,” he said. “I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation.”
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He concluded by reiterating his immediate priorities: “I’m just focused on the Newcastle game and my job.”
Sources: The Athletic, Sky Sports
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