‘100% speculation’ – Chelsea boss Maresca dismisses links to Man City
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David Ornstein, of The Athletic, reported that Maresca could replace Guardiola if he leaves the club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
“And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things.
“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. But again, it’s speculation.
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“One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true. It’s important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation.”
Maresca’s Chelsea future was called into question after the Italian coach stated that he has not felt supported at the club in recent weeks.
“The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because many people didn’t support me and the team,” he said. “In general.”
I will not be eternally here – Guardiola
When asked during Friday’s press conference if he will be at the Etihad at the start of next season, Guardiola said: “I already answered that question two before. I’m here! What is going to happen, who knows that? Who knows? But even if I had a 10-year contract, or I have six months, football changes a lot.
“Now I’m focused on West Ham, and going for a few days with my dad, and that’s all. And come back for Nottingham (Forest), Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton.”
“There are no discussions – end of the subject,” he said when asked about what factors he would consider when deciding his future.
“There are no discussions. I will not be eternally here, but I’ve said before I will not be here forever. None of us will be forever in this world but there are no discussions.
“What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything – for the players and the CEOs, except the owners. They are here unless they are going to sell the club, which I don’t think will happen. The rest, the club has to be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.”
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‘There are no discussions’ – Guardiola refuses to be drawn on Man City future
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When questioned about who would decide the timing of his departure, Guardiola said: “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.
“I understand the question when I have the end of a contract (coming) but I have 18 months left and I am so delighted and happy and excited about the development of the team and being there. That is all I can say.
“That question happens every single season at a certain point and I’m OK. The club and I are incredibly connected in terms of the decisions we have to take and when it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”
After booking their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over League One side Cardiff City, Chelsea now turn their attention to a trip to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side are 12th in the table ahead of the match, six points behind Maresca’s side.
Maresca joined Chelsea from Leicester City in June 2024 after getting The Foxes promoted back to the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign.
He oversaw a fourth-place finish in the Premier League table during his first season in charge of the club.
That impressive league finish helped The Blues qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 season.
Maresca confirmed that he is yet to discuss his controversial comments following the clash with Everton with key figures from the club.
“We are in the same building, so we speak about different things,” he added.
“But about the Everton press conference, no.”
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