Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Milan is een ervaren opticien met een passie voor visuele technologie en klantgerichtheid.
