Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli has addressed speculation linking him with the Barcelona job this summer as the Catalan giants look to replace Luis Enrique.
The Chilean tactician has guided his current side to third place in the La Liga table after 27 games, launching an outside shot at the title.
However, speculation regarding him being one of the leading candidates to be appointed Enrique’s successor haven’t gone away and instead of ignore them, he tackled them head on on Saturday.
“I don’t have to renew because I have a contract,” he told reporters, as quoted by Sport.
“It’s also not true that Barça have shown an interest in me, that I’m in the running or that they have contacted me.”
“I would like Monchi to stay, but it’s not a condition for me to stay. According to the project Sevilla have, you are either there to help or you’re not. I feel useful, loved and respected.”
If he does indeed opt to remain at Sevilla, then it poses Barca with a slight headache as they’ll have to look elsewhere for their next coach, provided that the rumours had some truth.
While the Catalan giants aren’t short of options, they’ll have to get it right as although Enrique has enjoyed a trophy-laden stint in charge of the Blaugrana, there have been some cracks this season and with an ageing squad, it will be a task for the next coach to ensure that the high standards at the Nou Camp are upheld and expectations are met.