Maresca dismisses reports he could replace Guardiola at City
Enzo Maresca has dismissed reports linking him with Manchester City as “100% speculation” and insisted he fully expects to be at Chelsea next season.
It follows reports that Pep Guardiola could step down as City boss at the end of the campaign and that Blues head coach Maresca, who was also recently linked with Juventus, is a contender to succeed him.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it is 100% speculation,” said Maresca.
“I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here.
“Again, it’s speculation. The same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it is not true.”
Maresca previously had a spell as Guardiola’s assistant at City.
The Italian then managed Leicester, leading the East Midlands club to promotion before taking over at Chelsea.
Speculation over Maresca’s future has also been fuelled by a strange post-match press conference after the recent win against Everton, during which he described the previous 48 hours as his worst at Chelsea and suggested he had not been supported.
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Asked on Friday morning if he expected to still be at Stamford Bridge next season, he said: “Absolutely, yes. Again, I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation, 100%.
“I don’t have nothing to add because, again, I don’t pay attention. I’m focused on my job.
“I signed a contract last year until 2029. I’m happy with that, and no more than that.”
Meanwhile, Liam Delap is expected to return for Chelsea against Aston Villa on 27 December along with Estevao Willian.
