Enzo Maresca has been linked with a possible switch to Man Cityplaceholder image
Enzo Maresca has been linked with a possible switch to Man City | Getty Images
Manchester City could look for a new manager at the end of the season and the Chelsea boss is one option to take over.
Enzo Maresca claims the reports linking him with a future role at Man City are '100% speculation' and he is fully committed to his current role at Chelsea.
A report from The Athletic claimed Maresca is 'high' among the candidates to replace Guardiola if he decides to leave the club at the end of the season. It is suggested City are 'advancing' with their contingency plans amid the possibility of a manager change next summer.
It is important to note that neither City or Chelsea have commented on the speculation, though there is a belief that both managers could leave their current roles by next summer. If that were to be the case, then former Man City assistant and U23 coach Maresca would likely be of interest to the Blues.
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Maresca breaks silence on replacing Guardiola
Enzo Maresca has refused to be drawn on the suggestion he could replace mentor Pep Guardiola at Man City next summer. The 45-year-old learned a lot from his time as Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad Stadium, before he took the managerial role at Leicester City and then moved to Chelsea.
Maresca would be an obvious option if City were to look for a new manager, though he is not the only candidate they would look at, with club legend Vincent Kompany also sure to appeal due to his success at Bayern Munich. It is also important to note that until Guardiola confirms whether he will leave the club, there is no vacancy to fill.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Maresca was quizzed on the reports and whether he would consider a job switch. "It doesn't affect me because I know it is 100 percent speculation and I don't have time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just on this club and I am proud to be here.
"One week ago in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don't pay attention to it. It's important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation. The Newcastle game is important and very difficult."
When further asked whether he will still be Chelsea boss next season, he added: "Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029. It's speculation, 100%. I don't have nothing to add. I don't pay attention."
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