Fulham manager Marco Silva has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at Chelsea, insisting his full focus remains on his current role at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese coach, whose contract is set to expire this summer, had been touted as a potential successor to Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior was sacked on Wednesday after just three months in charge, with a poor run of results jeopardising the Blues’ ambitions for Champions League qualification.
Despite the rumours, Silva, who has previously managed Hull, Watford, and Everton, affirmed his commitment to Fulham ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, with the Cottagers aiming to push into the top half of the table.
Addressing questions about his future, Silva told reporters: "No. Why is it different this week? It is not at all. It is the same and the same answer that I said to you already last week, it is the same. I will not make every single week comments about it."
He added: "When something comes new, we are going to tell from ourselves, myself and the club. Everything what I need, or the club needs to do with me is going to be between me and the club."
Silva also highlighted the club’s shared vision, stating: "We know what we want to achieve – we are ambitious, but at the same time realistic and aligned. We are always aligned since the first day I joined the football club and it is going to be (the same) until the end."
Emphasising the significance of the upcoming fixture, Silva described the Villa game as "crucial" for Fulham’s end-of-season objectives.
"It is key. If you really want to fight for important positions that can give you the chance for European sports, you have to be strong – and not just at home."
