Enzo Maresca emphatically shuts down Man City link with Chelsea promise

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made it clear he is paying no heed to speculation linking him with the Manchester City hot seat as Pep Guardiola's potential successor. Reports have recently emerged suggesting the Italian is on City's radar as they consider candidates to replace Guardiola.

The Catalan's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain, with next year being his tenth at the club. Maresca previously worked under Guardiola as his assistant and also managed City's Under-23s side before departing to take the reins at Leicester City.

Maresca was said to be "high on a list of candidates" being considered to step into Guardiola's shoes, with the Spaniard yet to confirm his long-term plans. However, the Italian insists he is happy at Chelsea and compared the speculation to recent links to Juventus .

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's forthcoming clash at Newcastle United, Maresca finally addressed the rumours surrounding his future. The Italian said: "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."

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When pressed further on whether he could promise he will remain at Stamford Bridge when next season kicks off, he responded: "Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029. It's speculation, 100%. I don't have nothing to add. I don't pay attention."

Maresca lifted the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup whilst securing a top-four finish in his debut campaign with the Blues. However, he maintains there's far more to accomplish in west London under his leadership.

"We achieved the third semi-final in 18 months the other day," he noted, referring to the 3-1 away win over League One outfit Cardiff City in the League Cup quarter-final.

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"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."

The Blues currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings, though they've surrendered crucial ground on Arsenal following a disappointing spell that yielded just one victory from their previous four fixtures.

They also endured a 2-1 away setback against Atalanta in the Champions League , leaving them languishing in 13th position in that competition. Chelsea make the trip to Newcastle for tomorrow afternoon's early kick-off at 12.30pm.

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