Chelsea head coach says rumours are just ‘speculation’, while Pep insists succession plan is ‘not on the table’
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shut down “100 per cent speculation” he could succeed Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City, insisting he is only focused on his task at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Guardiola says discussions over who could replace him is a “subject [that] is not on the table right now.”
Maresca worked for Man City in two different roles — as coach of their Elite Development Squad, and then as an assistant coach with Guardiola — before his appointment as Leicester City’s head coach in June 2023. He took charge at Chelsea on 1 July 2024.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle United, Maresca addressed the rumours he could return to Man City, this time in the top job.
Maresca said: “It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s 100 per cent speculation.
“In this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things, first of all because I have a contract here until 2029.
“I said many times, my focus is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here.
“It’s speculation. One week ago, in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s 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 [about the speculation] at all.”
Guardiola on his future
At a later press conference to preview his team’s home match against West Ham United, Guardiola said: “I always get asked this question, [that] sooner or later I will quit Manchester City.”
He continued: “I have 18 months [on my contract] so I’m so happy with the development of the team. That question is there every single season at some point. Whatever is going to happen will happen.
“They are not discussions. End of the subject. I will not be here for ever. What is going to happen will happen. The club must be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.
“I am here. What’s going to happen, who knows? Even if I have a 10-year contract or six months, football changes a lot. Now I am focusing on West Ham and then golf after a few days with my dad and that is all.”
‘We are not at the level required to win the title’
Guardiola then discussed his team’s chances in the Premier League title race, with Man City currently in second place and only two points behind the leaders, Arsenal.
“We have results but a lot of things we have to do better,” said Guardiola.
“It helps for the fact that the mentality and commitment are incredible.
“[But] we are not at the level required to win the title.”
