Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca dismissed stories naming him as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester Metropolis as “100 per cent speculation”.
On Thursday, The Athletic reported the Italian is among the many candidates being thought-about to interchange Guardiola, ought to he go away the membership in the summertime.
Guardiola’s present take care of Metropolis runs till 2027, however it’s reported the membership are making contingency plans for when the six-time Premier League champion decides to step away.
Maresca was certainly one of Guardiola’s assistant managers throughout their treble-winning 2022/23 season, earlier than happening to win the Sky Wager Championship with Leicester and two trophies with Chelsea as a head coach himself.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s 100 per cent speculation,” Maresca stated in his press convention on Friday morning, forward of Chelsea’s journey to Newcastle on Saturday.
“On this second, there isn’t any time for these sorts of issues, to begin with as a result of I’ve a contract right here till 2029.
“I stated many occasions, my focus is nearly this membership and I am very proud to be right here.
“It’s speculation. One week ago, in Italy, it was the same with Juventus.
“I do not concentrate as a result of I do know it is not true.
“Now it’s important to understand the reason why this news was there. But it’s not my job – I don’t care at all.”
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Kaveh Solhekol explains the stories that Maresca may change Guardiola on the finish of the season
He was later requested if he may promise supporters he would to be at Chelsea subsequent season.
“Absolutely, yes,” he replied.
“Again, I have a contract until 2029 and this is speculation.
“I haven’t got something so as to add as a result of I do not concentrate, and if we proceed to speak about that, which means I am taking note of that.
“I’m just focused on the Newcastle game and my job.”
