MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER Roberto Mancini is not concerned by speculation linking Pep Guardiola to his job.
Former Barcelona coach Guardiola left Camp Nou at the end of last season and has since been linked with moves to Europe’s top clubs.
Rumours linking him with the City job gained extra momentum as Txiki Begiristain, formerly of Barcelona, was announced as the new director of football at the Etihad Stadium.
Mancini has welcomed Begiristain’s arrival and rubbished the Guardiola rumours.
Mancini told Sky Sports News: “I am very happy. He (Begiristain) has a lot of experience with a top club like Barca. If we did well in the last two years, I think we can do better in the future.
“If people write that Txiki is here and maybe next year Guardiola will arrive or another manager, this is not my problem. I’m here, I want to continue to work well because I think we are ready to improve and build a stronger team.”
The 47-year-old also insists he will retain control of the club’s transfers despite Begiristain’s appointment.
Mancini said: “I want to decide which players we take, this is normal for every manager. I worked with Brian (Marwood) for three years, he was sporting director, I think Txiki will do the same job.
“I have my job and Txiki will have his job. I don’t want to go to talk with other teams to buy players, this is not my job. Like every sporting director, he will talk with me before buying players.”
