Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly rejected reports linking him with a future move to Manchester City, describing the claims as “100% speculation” and insisting his full focus remains on Stamford Bridge.

The Italian coach, who previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has been widely mentioned as a potential successor should his former mentor step down at the end of the season. However, Enzo Maresca was unequivocal when asked about the rumours, stressing both his contractual commitment and personal pride in leading Chelsea.

Appointed in June 2024, the 45-year-old is under contract until 2029, with an option for a further year. Despite his past association with Manchester City, Maresca made it clear that speculation around his future is not something he entertains as the Premier League season gathers momentum.

There is also a wider context surrounding his comments, with recent press conferences hinting at tension between the head coach and Chelsea’s ownership and sporting hierarchy. While results on the pitch have been encouraging, questions continue to swirl around the club’s internal dynamics.

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Maresca shuts down Guardiola succession talk

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle United, Maresca dismissed the suggestion that he could be in line to replace Pep Guardiola.

“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation,” Maresca said. “And at this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things.”

He was keen to underline his contractual position and emotional investment in the club.

“First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here.”

Maresca also pointed to the recurring nature of such rumours, suggesting they are an inevitable by-product of modern football management.

“Again, it’s speculation. One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true.”

The message was clear. Despite his links to elite clubs and his pedigree under Guardiola, Maresca sees no reason to look beyond his current role.

Chelsea focus ahead of Newcastle clash

With Chelsea sitting fourth in the Premier League table, attention now turns to Saturday’s lunchtime fixture against Newcastle United. The match represents another important test for a side that has steadily grown in confidence after a turbulent start to the campaign.

Maresca has repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining focus during a demanding run of fixtures, particularly as off-field noise continues to surround the club.

The Italian has been encouraged by his team’s league position and cup progress, but is wary of complacency as the festive period approaches. A strong performance against Newcastle would further cement Chelsea’s credentials as genuine top-four contenders this season.

‘Worst 48 hours’ comments raise questions

Maresca’s insistence on unity comes against the backdrop of comments he made following last weekend’s 2-0 home victory over Everton, when he revealed he had experienced his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club.

Those remarks sparked widespread speculation about a possible rift between the head coach and key figures within Chelsea’s ownership structure, including controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

Asked whether he had discussed those comments with senior figures at the club, Maresca played down the idea of any formal confrontation.

“We are in the same building, so we speak about different things,” he said. “But about the Everton press conference, no.”

While he did not elaborate further, the lack of clarity has left room for continued speculation, particularly in the absence of any public response from the ownership.

Maresca confirms commitment to next season

Despite the uncertainty, Maresca was unequivocal when asked about his future at Chelsea beyond the current campaign.

“Absolutely, yes,” he replied when questioned on whether he would remain in charge next season.

He also took the opportunity to appeal directly to supporters, urging them to remain patient and supportive as the project continues to take shape.

The message appeared aimed at reinforcing stability and reassurance, both within the squad and among a fanbase that has endured significant upheaval in recent seasons.

Positive injury news offers timely boost

There was at least some good news on the injury front, with Maresca revealing that forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected.

Both players have been sidelined with shoulder and muscle issues respectively, but could be available for Chelsea’s clash with Aston Villa on 27 December. Their potential return would provide a welcome boost during a congested fixture schedule, particularly as Maresca looks to manage squad rotation carefully.

Depth has been a recurring issue for Chelsea this season, and the prospect of additional attacking options could prove crucial in sustaining their push across multiple competitions.

An open wound that refuses to heal

Despite steady progress on the pitch, the sense of unease around Chelsea has not entirely dissipated. The perceived rift between Maresca and his superiors remains unresolved in the public eye, creating what feels like an open wound at the heart of the club.

There has been no escalation of the manager’s initial comments, but equally there has been no apology or clarification. The result is an awkward atmosphere at press conferences, where tension lingers just beneath the surface.

This backdrop risks undermining what has, by most measures, been a promising start to Maresca’s reign. Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League, through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and well placed to avoid the play-off round of the Champions League by winning their remaining league-phase fixtures.

Yet football clubs thrive on clarity and cohesion. Prolonged uncertainty, even if unspoken, can seep into the dressing room and affect performances.

For now, Maresca remains the sole public voice, obliged to answer questions and absorb scrutiny. The ownership and senior executives at Stamford Bridge are under no obligation to comment, leaving a vacuum that speculation inevitably fills.

Whether this situation settles quietly or escalates further may depend on results, communication, and a shared willingness to draw a line under recent tension. What is certain is that Enzo Maresca is determined to project calm, commitment and focus, regardless of the noise swirling around him.