Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 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 these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-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 keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
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