Manuel Pellegrini accepts speculation linking Pep Guardiola with his job at Manchester City is inevitable.
But the City manager claims he could not work properly if he let such rumours affect him.
Bayern Munich’s much-coveted former Barcelona coach has been a reported target of City for several years, since even before Pellegrini arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2013.
The rumours have resurfaced in recent days because Guardiola suggested he would make an announcement about his future in the next week.
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But Pellegrini, who was displaced by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid in 2010, said: “We don’t know what Pep will do next season. There are rumours, speculation about what he wants to do.
“I think Pep is one of the best coaches in the world so if he doesn’t continue at Bayern maybe a lot of teams can try to have him manage their team.
“In my case, I don’t have any pressure about that. Maybe there are a lot of rumours – not only this season but going back to the other seasons – but the only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself to win.
“When you have experience and manage so many big clubs, you know with every result that is not the result the club wants the media will start with different rumours about different things, but if you are worried about that it’s impossible to work in a big team.”
Pellegrini guided City to Premier League title success and the League Cup in his first season in charge. Their defence of their league title last season was poor but they still finished second and they are the favourites to take the crown this term.
Such facts weigh heavily in Pellegrini’s favour and reclaiming the title – and perhaps winning other silverware – this season would make any decision to remove him seem particularly harsh, even if Guardiola was available.
But the Chilean, who is contracted to City until 2017, said: “I cannot talk about what other people want to manage the club. Every owner has the right to see what is the best future for their club.
“It’s not my problem because I don’t think for them. My thinking is to try to win and continue in a job where I am happy. After that it’s not my decision.”
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