Maresca denies Chelsea exit, insists he will stay amid City links
Chelsea manager says speculation about his future persists despite contract to 2029, as he focuses on Newcastle clash
Enzo Maresca insisted he has no intention of leaving Chelsea for Manchester City this summer, despite continuing whispers about his relationship with the club and questions over a post-Everton outburst. With Chelsea preparing for a Premier League clash against Newcastle, the Italian manager reiterated his commitment to the role, pointing to a contract running until 2029 with an option for an additional year.
Maresca rejected the idea that his remarks after beating Everton were an emotional outburst. 'What I said, it was not an emotional reaction. It was not an emotional reaction. I said what I said. Full stop,' he said, adding that the speculation surrounding his future remains unfounded.
Asked if he could guarantee he would be at Chelsea next season, Maresca said: 'Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation, 100 per cent.' He said the headlines about his future were '100 per cent speculation' and that his attention remained on the upcoming Newcastle match.
Maresca also referenced his focus and the reporting around him, saying: 'I don't pay attention. If we continue to talk about that, that means that I'm paying attention to that, but I'm not focused on that. I'm focused on the Newcastle game. I'm focused on my job.' He reaffirmed his contract status and emphasized his commitment to Chelsea.
The coach’s public comments come amid a broader backdrop of links to City after he assisted Pep Guardiola during City's treble-winning season in 2022-23 and his recent move to be represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes. Maresca has repeatedly refused to elaborate on the Everton remarks.
On whether he expects any transfer-related changes or a greater say in who is brought in, Maresca said: 'No, no, absolutely not. No, no, no. I'm happy with the squad.' He added that his role involves feedback but that ultimate decisions are for the club to determine.
'We have seven, eight coaching staff that analyse minute after minutes of every game but for sure you can take suggestions from anyone,' he noted, underscoring a collaborative environment in the technical area while maintaining that he accepts the final call rests with Chelsea's hierarchy.
Finally, when asked about a potential new deal, Maresca said: 'If the club offered me a new contract? This is a question for the club, if I deserve a new contract.' He framed such negotiations as a matter for Chelsea rather than a personal disclosure, reiterating his focus on the current campaign and next fixture.
As Chelsea navigate a period of scrutiny around the leadership and squad planning, Maresca’s comments leave the door open for ongoing questions about his future — even as the manager maintained a public stance of commitment to the club through 2029 and beyond.