Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation 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 possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter 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 persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
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