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Football Insider

Enzo Maresca's Response to Manchester City Return Links and Chelsea Success

Enzo Maresca addresses speculation about a potential return to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's successor, asserting his commitment to Chelsea. He reflects on recent achievements and dismisses rumors surrounding his coaching future.

Enzo Maresca's Response to Manchester City Return Links and Chelsea Success

Enzo Maresca has addressed the speculation suggesting that he is being lined up for a potential return to Manchester City as successor to Pep Guardiola. The Italian has previously taken in two coaching spells at the Etihad Stadium, but is currently committed to Chelsea and has stated with "100 percent" certainty that he will still be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.The Athletic have reported on how there is "growing anticipation of this being Guardiola’s last season at City", with "a firm decision likely be made closer to the campaign finishing". If the highly-decorated Catalan is to move on, a year before his contract is due to expire, that a suitable replacement will need to be found.It is claimed that Maresca has retained "admirers in the hierarchy" at the Etihad and "is expected to figure prominently if a vacancy arises". The 45-year-old worked with City’s U21 team in the 2020-21 campaign, before returning as a first-team assistant following a brief stint in charge of Parma in his homeland.Maresca is under contract in west London until 2029, with a 12-month extension option included in those terms, but questions have been asked of whether said deal will be honoured and if steps could be retraced to Manchester.Breaking his silence on those rumours, Maresca - who was recently linked with a return to Serie A at Turin-based heavyweights - told reporters: "It doesn't affect me at all. I know that it is 100% speculation and in this moment, there is no time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is about this club. I'm very proud to be here. It's speculation. One week ago, it was the same with Juventus so I don't pay attention."Again, it's just speculation. It's important to understand the reason why this news was there, but it's not my job. I don't care at all and the focus is on the Newcastle game. I'm completely focused on Newcastle, to be honest."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Asked if he will still be Chelsea boss in 2026-27, Maresca said: "Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029. It's speculation, 100 percent. I don't have anything to add. I don't pay attention."He went on to say of still having plenty left to achieve at Chelsea, having already guided them to Conference League glory and Champions League qualification: "Absolutely, yes. We achieved the third semi-final in 18 months the other day [in the Carabao Cup]. Last year was good in terms of trophies and finishing fourth in the Premier League. The target is to try and improve on what we did last season."Guardiola is impressed by what Maresca has achieved with his Blues, which suggests that he would be happy to pass the reins at City over to a familiar face. The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has said of a current domestic rival: "One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well but, the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMaresca has hinted at not receiving the kind of support that his exploits deserve at the Bridge, saying ahead of a victory against Everton that snapped a four-match winless run: "The way the players want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."Those comments were considered to be a nod towards a potential departure, with there the threat of divides forming in the Chelsea camp. Maresca does, however, appear to have put the exit talk to bed. He will, however, continue to see a move to City mooted for as long as Guardiola leaves everybody guessing on his future plans.

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Enzo Maresca's Stance on Manchester City Return Speculation

Enzo Maresca recently broke his silence on rumors linking him to a return to Manchester City as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola. The Italian coach, who is currently with Chelsea, has firmly stated that he will remain at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming season. Despite reports suggesting growing anticipation of Guardiola's possible departure from City, Maresca remains focused on his current role and has emphasized that the rumors are mere speculation.

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Contractual Commitment and Focus on Chelsea

Having signed a contract with Chelsea until 2029, including a 12-month extension option, Maresca has reiterated his dedication to the London club. He dismissed talks of a potential move to Manchester City, emphasizing his pride in being at Chelsea and underlining that his primary focus is on the team's upcoming matches, notably highlighting the importance of the Newcastle game.

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Future Ambitions at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca expressed his commitment to Chelsea for the long term, affirming that he aims to build on the team's recent successes. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Maresca remains determined to enhance Chelsea's performance and continue the positive trajectory achieved during his tenure, with a focus on surpassing previous season's achievements.

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Guardiola's Praise and Potential Aid from City

Pep Guardiola has lauded Maresca's managerial qualities and accomplishments at Chelsea, hinting at the possibility of supporting a transition to Manchester City if Guardiola were to part ways with the club. Guardiola commended Maresca for his achievements with Chelsea, acknowledging the Italian coach as one of the best in the world and his success in molding a young team into champions.

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Addressing Concerns and Focused on Success

While facing speculation and criticism, Maresca remains unwavering in his commitment to Chelsea, signaling that he aims to forge ahead with the team's objectives. Despite facing challenges and lack of support, Maresca continues to focus on fostering a positive environment within the club and concentrating on achieving success with the players.

Published on Dec 19, 2025