Chelsea have poured cold water on speculation linking the club
with Italian coach Marcello Lippi.
Blues chief Jose Mourinho's future has been a hot topic of debate
in recent weeks, as reports have suggested his relationship with
owner Roman Abramovich has reached breaking point.
Mourinho said recently that he intended to honour his contract
which runs until 2010, but this has not stopped the rumour mill
from cranking up a gear.
And Lippi added fuel to the fire by claiming his name figured
prominently on Chelsea's list of candidates to succeed Mourinho in
the summer.
The Blues, though, have responded by insisting they are not seeking
out a replacement for their Portuguese coach and have not been in
contact with the Italian.
"Following further media speculation regarding the position of
Chelsea Football Club manager and comments allegedly attributed to
Marcello Lippi, the club would like to make clear that no list of
candidates has been drawn up to replace Jose Mourinho," read a
statement on the club's website.
"Nobody from Chelsea FC has spoken to Mr Lippi or his
representatives or indeed anyone regarding the manager's job.
"As previously stated, Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2010, he
has the support of everybody at Chelsea and he has said he wants to
stay for the time of his contract."