Guardiola dismisses Juventus reports following Watford win

The prospect of another Champions League failure has seen Juve linked with Pep, but he insists there is no truth in the rumours

Posted Sunday, March 10, 2019 by Goal.com

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has categorically denied reports that he would be leaving the Etihad Stadium for Juventus.

Guardiola saw City extend their lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday thanks to a Raheem Sterling hat-trick as Watford were dispatched 3-1 at the Etihad.

Liverpool now trail the defending champions by four points, although they can cut the deficit back to one with victory over Burnley on Sunday.

Pep's name has appeared in connection with the Turin giants in recent days, as the Old Lady face missing out on the Champions League title once more.

Massimiliano Allegri's charges will begin the second leg two goals down to Atletico Madrid, with the return match to be played on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the long-term outlook at City is also far from clear.

On Thursday UEFA announced that they were investigating the club over possible breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.

The Premier League has now followed suit in looking into the club's transfer business, while Man City insist that the claims are false.

The Spaniard has now been mooted as a possible successor should Allegri leave Juventus, but he insists there is no truth in such speculation.

"I know that social media has influence but I don’t understand why the big papers say that I’m going to Italy," he told reporters.

"I have two more years here and I’m not going anywhere unless they sack me. I hope to be here another two years and maybe another.”

The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach continued to show his solidarity with under-pressure Allegri and reiterate that he had no intention of leaving City.

"I don’t understand why someone says something on social media and everyone says it is happening, when they don’t try to call the club, my agent, Juventus," he fired.

"I am sorry for Allegri. I have two years and it is impossible for me to move, unless I get sacked. I am not going to Juventus for the next two seasons."

City are next in action at home on Tuesday against Schalke, and will look to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals as they hold a 3-2 advantage after the first leg.