Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
