Chelsea put nine past Liverpool in the Women’s League Cup to progress to the semi-finals, as Sam Kerr scores the opening two goals and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd completes a hat-trick.
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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 and there have been multiple reports that his mentor could step down at the end of this season.
The Italian was appointed Chelsea manager 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, Maresca 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.”
Fourth-placed Chelsea play Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
Holders Chelsea have been handed a home tie against second-tier Crystal Palace in the draw for the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Six-time winners Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-0 in last season’s final to secure a domestic treble, while Palace were relegated from the Women’s Super League (WSL).
League leaders Manchester City travel to third-tier leaders Bournemouth, while 14-time winners Arsenal host fellow WSL side Aston Villa.
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham also play an all-WSL tie at home to Leicester City, while Manchester United face third-tier Burnley.
London City Lionesses face a trip to WSL 2 side Sunderland, while Brighton host second-tier Nottingham Forest.
The fourth-round ties will take place on the weekend of Saturday, 17 January, with the date of each tie yet to be confirmed.