Enzo Maresca Plays Down Man City Links Amid Guardiola Talk

Enzo Maresca was quick to shut down speculation linking him with a return to Manchester City, insisting his focus remains firmly on Chelsea despite the growing noise around Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad.

The Italian has been mentioned as a potential successor should Guardiola decide to step away, but Maresca has been clear that Stamford Bridge, not Manchester, is where his attention lies.

Enzo Maresca dismisses Manchester City links

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle, Maresca left little room for ambiguity when asked about his future.

“Absolutely, yes,” he said when questioned on whether he would be at Chelsea next season. “I have a contract until 2029 and this is speculation, 100 per cent. It doesn’t affect me.”

The Italian, who previously worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, acknowledged the noise around his name but stressed it was not something he was entertaining.

“At this moment there is no time for this type of thing,” Maresca added. “I’m very proud to be here. I’m focused on the Newcastle game. It is going to be a difficult game.”

His comments come after reports suggested Man City were quietly preparing for life after Guardiola – a process that has gathered momentum as the club prepares for a possible transition at the top.

Why Maresca has been linked with Pep Guardiola’s job

Maresca’s name has surfaced in conversations about Guardiola’s eventual successor, largely because he’s already worked at the club under the Spaniard and his rapid rise as a head coach.

After coaching City’s elite development squad and serving as Guardiola’s assistant, Maresca led Leicester back to the Premier League before guiding Chelsea to both the Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season in west London.

With Guardiola having previously admitted he considered leaving City earlier in his contract, and with senior figures already departing the club, it has fuelled wider discussion about who might follow him.

Maresca, however, was keen to distance himself from that narrative.

“It’s important to understand the reason why this news was there,” he said. “But it’s not my job. I don’t pay attention because I know that it’s not true.”

Maresca addresses Chelsea support comments

The City links gathered extra traction after Maresca’s comments following Chelsea’s win over Everton, when he referenced a perceived lack of support during a difficult winless run. That prompted suggestions of tension behind the scenes.

This week, he confirmed he had spoken with Chelsea’s hierarchy but insisted those comments were not a source of tension.

“We are in the same building. So we speak about different things,” he said. “But about the Everton press conference? No, nothing.”

Maresca did admit he addressed his frustrations internally with the squad but framed it as part of maintaining standards rather than a sign of discontent.

“The players are just focused on Newcastle,” he said. “They are very difficult for any team to face. But we’re going to try our best and try to win the game.”

Maresca Chelsea future remains clear despite speculation

For now, Maresca’s position is straightforward. He has a long contract, recent silverware and a clear focus on pushing Chelsea forward in the league.

While his name may continue to surface as Manchester City quietly plan for a post-Guardiola future, there is nothing to suggest he considers himself available – at least publicly.