Enzo Maresca at Chelsea dismisses Manchester City rumours as pure speculation

Enzo Maresca stated on Friday that any suggestions tying him to the Manchester City managerial role amount to complete guesswork, vowing to stay on at Chelsea for the coming campaign.

The Italian coach revealed last weekend that he had endured his toughest 48 hours since taking up the position at the club back in July of the previous year.

He delivered these unexpected remarks following Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Everton at home, where he criticised certain unidentified figures for not providing enough backing to him and his team, while making clear that supporters were not the target of his frustration.

Those comments ignited widespread rumours that he might be directing his ire towards the club's proprietors and executive staff.

An article in the Athletic indicated that the former Leicester manager ranks highly on Manchester City's shortlist to succeed Pep Guardiola, in the event the Spanish coach departs after the current season.

Yet Maresca waved away the inquiry during his media briefing ahead of Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Newcastle.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100 percent speculation," he said

"And in this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things. First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, that is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here."

Maresca offered a firm assurance when asked if he could commit to the fans that he would remain at Stamford Bridge into the next season.

"Absolutely, yes," he said. "Again, I have a contract until 2029 and this is speculation 100 percent. 

"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 that I'm paying attention to that." 

Maresca, who joined Chelsea in July 2024, secured the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs during his debut year at the stadium.

His squad currently holds fourth place in the Premier League standings, positioning them to advance directly to the Champions League round of 16.

On Tuesday, they overcame lower-division Cardiff to reach the League Cup semi-finals, setting up a clash with either Arsenal or Crystal Palace.