Enzo Maresca has slammed down talk linking him to the Manchester City hotseat, branding the rumours that he could replace Pep Guardiola as “100% speculation.” The Chelsea manager, who once served as Guardiola’s assistant at City, insisted his focus remains firmly on Stamford Bridge and the job he has under contract until 2029.
Calm amid the transfer‑rumour storm
Appointed in June 2024, the 45‑year‑old Italian has been repeatedly named in media chatter as a possible successor should Guardiola step away at the end of the season. Maresca, however, was unflinching when asked about the reports. “It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation,” he said, adding that there is no time for such distractions while Chelsea chase results.
He underlined his commitment to the club and his contract, and pointed out how quickly rumours swirl — one week he was linked with Italy and Juventus, the next with City — but he refuses to be drawn into the noise.
Tensions, press conferences and a public reaction
Maresca’s comments arrive on the back of a turbulent few days. After Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton, he revealed that “many people” had caused his “worst 48 hours” since taking charge, a remark that fuelled speculation of a rift with controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Asked whether he had spoken to those figures, Maresca kept things measured: “We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no.” He later gave a firm nod when asked if he would remain at the club next season, urging supporters to “continue to support the team.”
Bright spots on the injury front
Amid the off‑field chatter, there was encouraging news on the fitness front. Maresca revealed that forwards Liam Delap (shoulder) and Estevao Willian (muscle) could return sooner than expected, potentially bolstering Chelsea’s attacking options for the trip to Aston Villa on December 27.
Maresca’s message was clear: speculation will always swirl around high‑profile clubs, but his priorities are unchanged — steady the ship, protect the squad, and keep Chelsea moving up the table.
