Chelsea’s Maresca Douses Manchester City Rumors

Chelsea Manager Denies Manchester City Links

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to the Manchester City job, calling it “100% speculation.” This comes after multiple reports on Thursday suggested that City had placed Maresca on a list of candidates to replace Pep Guardiola, should the Spanish manager decide to leave at the end of the season.
Maresca, who served as Under-23 coach and later as an assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City before joining Leicester in 2023, was asked about the rumors ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday. He stated, “It doesn’t affect me. It’s 100% speculation. There is no time for this kind of thing. I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just about this club. I’m very proud to be here.”
The Italian manager also addressed speculation surrounding his future at Chelsea, saying, “It’s speculation. One week ago was the same thing with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true.” When asked whether he could promise to be at Chelsea next season, Maresca replied, “Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029.”

Guardiola’s Response

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who has been contracted until the end of the 2026-27 term, also addressed the speculation surrounding his future at the club. In a news conference on Friday, Guardiola stated, “The last three or four years, every time during a certain period, someone asks me that question. Sooner or later, when I’m 75 or 76, I will quit Manchester City!”
Guardiola emphasized that he has 18 months left on his contract and is “so delighted and happy and excited about the development of the team and being there.” He also stated that there are no discussions about his future and that the club is prepared for any scenario.

Manchester City’s Upcoming Match

Manchester City hosts West Ham United on Saturday, with the chance to move to the top of the table. However, the team will be without several key players, including Rodri, John Stones, and Jérémy Doku, who are still sidelined due to injury. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri are also on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

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