Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions linking him with a future move to Manchester City, insisting the reports are “pure speculation”.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, has been touted as a possible successor should his former mentor step down at the end of the season.
Maresca, however, was quick to play down the rumours, stressing his commitment to Chelsea.
Appointed at Stamford Bridge in June 2024, the Italian is under contract until 2029, with the option of an additional year.
Asked directly about the speculation, he said it had no impact on him and reiterated that his focus remains solely on his current role.
Maresca pointed to similar rumours linking him with Juventus in recent weeks, adding that he pays little attention to such talk because he knows it is unfounded.
He emphasised his pride in managing Chelsea and said his attention is firmly on the club’s objectives.
Chelsea, who sit fourth in the Premier League, host Newcastle on Saturday in the early kick-off.
The manager’s comments follow a turbulent week in which he admitted experiencing his “worst 48 hours” since taking the job, despite overseeing a 2-0 home victory over Everton.
Those remarks led to speculation about tensions behind the scenes with co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Maresca downplayed the idea of any fallout, explaining that while they speak regularly, the issue raised after the Everton match was not discussed.
He also confirmed he expects to remain in charge next season and urged supporters to continue backing the team.
There was a boost on the injury front too, with Maresca revealing that forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule in time for Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
