PEP GUARDIOLA is “angry” about “ridiculous” reports linking him with the Juventus job, according to Manchester City board member Alberto Galassi.
The Spaniard, 48, still has two seasons left on his current deal and has no intention of leaving before then.
That is despite reports in Italy linking him with the vacant Juve job following Massimiliano Allegri’s departure.
Guardiola and the club strongly rejected the claims and now Galassi has made it clear the reigning Premier League champions will keep hold of their boss.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: “This rumour is unfounded. Guardiola is angry about these stories. It’s ridiculous, it’s fake news!
“A club like Juventus would not have allowed such news to come out like this. Manchester City could not have been left out without knowing and being advised.
“It is unbelievable that the media pursue these kind of rumours. This is ridiculous. Guardiola wants to stay.
“He is a great professional and he can’t believe his words are not listened to. He does not want to leave. Therefore, the problem does not exist because the whole matter does not exist.”
Galassi has a long-standing relationship with Juventus vice-chairman Pavel Nedved and insists the pair found the suggestions about Guardiola outrageous.
We laughed at these rumours, and we realised that this whole issue had become ridiculous.
Man City board member Alberto Galassi
He added: “I have known him for a very long time. We laughed at these rumours, and we realised that this whole issue had become ridiculous.”
Maurizio Sarri remains the favourite to replace Allegri, while Mauricio Pochettino and Simone Inzaghi are also high on the list.
Reports suggest Jose Mourinho is not in the running, despite being endorsed by Cristiano Ronaldo, due to his high wages.
But what will happen next for the departing Allegri remains unclear.
Speaking after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta, the Italian said: “I’m not especially looking for a year off.
“I’ll only take a sabbatical if I have to. Otherwise my plan is to find a project that convinces me. Life is full of surprises and you need to be ready for everything.
“I train with joy and fun, because if I’m not persuaded by the squad at my disposal, I try changing things around, moving players into new positions and trying something different, otherwise I get bored.”
