Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says reports describing him as a potential successor to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are “100% speculation”.
The 45-year-old is the former assistant to Guardiola at City and there have been multiple reports that his mentor could step down at the end of this season.
When asked whether there was any truth to the reports, Maresca said: “It doesn’t affect me because I know it is 100% speculation and I don’t have time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029.
“My focus is just on this club and I am proud to be here. One week ago in Italy it was the same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention to it.
“It’s important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation. The Newcastle game is important and very difficult.”
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and face Newcastle at St James’s Park on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.