Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly challenged the club's hierarchy to decide if he remains part of their long-term plans, casting significant doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian's position has become the subject of intense speculation following an outspoken rant last week, where he claimed to lack support at the club. This was swiftly followed by reports linking him with a sensational move to Premier League champions Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.
Maresca's Contract Question to Chelsea Owners
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's weekend clash with Newcastle United, Maresca was directly asked if he would sign a new contract with the Blues. His response placed the ball firmly in the court of the club's owners.
"This is a question for the club if I deserve a new contract," Maresca stated in his pre-match press conference on December 20th, 2025.
Maresca is currently under a long-term deal at Chelsea, having signed a contract until 2029 when he joined from Leicester City in 2024. The agreement includes an option for a further season.
Dismissing Manchester City 'Speculation'
The 45-year-old manager also directly addressed the swirling rumours connecting him to the Etihad Stadium. He was emphatic in his dismissal, labelling the talk as pure conjecture.
"No, it doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100 per cent speculation," Maresca asserted. "In 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."
He drew a parallel with previous unfounded links to Italian giants Juventus just a week earlier, reinforcing his stance that he pays no attention to such stories.
Commitment to Chelsea Amid Uncertainty
When pressed on whether he would definitely be in the Chelsea dugout next season, Maresca reaffirmed his commitment to his existing contract, while subtly highlighting the source of the uncertainty.
"Absolutely, yes. Again, I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation 100 per cent," he said. "I'm just focused on the Newcastle game. I'm focused on my job. I signed a contract last year until 2029. I'm happy with that, and no more than that."
Maresca's tenure at Chelsea began after he led Leicester City to promotion from the Championship. His debut campaign in West London yielded notable success, with the club winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, his recent public comments have opened a window into potential tensions behind the scenes, leaving his long-term future at the club in a state of limbo as the owners now face a public call for clarity.
