Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain 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 be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
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