Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
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