Napoli head coach Rafael Benitez has dismissed speculation that he will succeed Manuel Pellegrini in the Manchester City dug-out this summer.
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Respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports on his website that the former Liverpool and Chelsea chief described rumours of a return to the Premier League with the Blues as “false”, and reiterated his determination to end the season on a high with his current employers.
The Spaniard is preparing for tomorrow night’s Europa League quarter-final, second leg clash with Wolfsburg, into which his side take a commanding 4-1 lead from the first meeting in Germany.
But he took time out to address rumours about his future, saying: “The rumours about Manchester City are false. I’m still the coach here, I’m focused every day in managing the players.
“What are the odds of me staying? We’ll meet with the president and we’ll talk.”
Pellegrini has come under immense pressure at the Etihad Stadium after failing to keep touch with leaders Chelsea in the league, and exiting all the knock-out competitions prematurely.
Instead of battling to retain the title he won last season, the Chilean finds himself fighting for a top-four finish, leading to speculation that he may not get the chance to see out the final 12 months of his contract.
Benitez is in a similar situation in Serie A, but could lead Napoli to the Champions League by winning the Europa League this term.