.jpeg?trim=0,0,399,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent blames Israel for war with Iran and claims Tehran was not on verge of having nukes – UK Times")
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says reports describing him as a potential successor to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are “100% speculation”.
The 45-year-old is the former assistant to Guardiola at City, who have started the process of identifying candidates to replace the Spaniard amid uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club next season.
Guardiola has established himself as one of the most revered figures in City’s history, winning a host of major trophies since being appointed as manager in 2016, including six Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.
Maresca became Chelsea boss in June 2024 and has a contract running until 2029, with an option to extend by a further season.
When asked whether there was any truth to the City reports, the Italian said: “It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things.
“First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation. One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true.
“It’s important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation.”
Fourth-placed Chelsea play Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
