Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
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