The Blues boss has been touted as Pep Guardiola’s successor within the North of England
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed ideas linking him with a future transfer to Manchester Metropolis, insisting stories naming him as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola are “100% hypothesis”.
Maresca beforehand labored as Guardiola’s assistant at Metropolis, and up to date stories have steered his former mentor may step apart on the finish of the season. Nevertheless, the Italian coach has performed down any notion that he may very well be in line to switch him.
Appointed by Chelsea in June 2024, Maresca is below contract at Stamford Bridge till 2029, with the choice of an extra yr.
“It doesn’t have an effect on me in any respect as a result of I do know that’s 100% hypothesis. And at this second, there isn’t a time for these form of issues,” Maresca mentioned.
“Initially, as a result of I’ve a contract right here till 2029 most likely. And my focus, I mentioned many instances, is nearly this membership and I’m very proud to be right here. However once more, it’s hypothesis.
“One week in the past I used to be in Italy, the identical with Juventus. So I don’t listen as a result of I do know that’s not true.”
Chelsea, who at the moment sit fourth within the Premier League, face Newcastle on Saturday within the 12:30 kick-off.
Maresca’s feedback comply with his admission that he endured his “worst 48 hours” on the membership after final weekend’s 2-0 residence win over Everton.
That comment led to hypothesis about tensions between the supervisor and the membership’s senior hierarchy, together with controlling proprietor Behdad Eghbali and sporting administrators Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
When questioned on whether or not he had held discussions with these figures, Maresca performed down any suggestion of discord.
“We’re in the identical constructing, so we discuss various things. However concerning the Everton press convention, no,” he mentioned.
Maresca additionally made clear he expects to stay in cost subsequent season, responding “completely, sure” when requested immediately, and known as on supporters to remain behind the group.
There was additionally some constructive information on the harm entrance. Maresca revealed that forwards Liam Delap, who has a shoulder challenge, and Estevao, sidelined with a muscle downside, may return prior to anticipated, with the match towards Aston Villa on 27 December a possible goal.
