Manchester City boss wanted by Serie A Champions League chasers
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Already facing an uphill struggle to progress in the Champions League, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini may now be on borrowed time at the Etihad.
Little wonder then that the Chilean is being linked with a move away from the Premier League, with one Italian side emerging as contenders to recruit the former Real Madrid coach.
Napoli are a club with ambitions of not only challenging Juventus for the Serie A title but also competing regularly in the Champions League.
So after a season in which the Partenopei have fallen 15 points behind the Bianconeri and were dumped out of the European Cup at the qualifying stage, it would appear change is afoot.
Manager Rafael Benitez has already hinted at the possibility of leaving the Stadio San Paolo at the end of the season.
“Today I’m in Naples and I’m concentrated on Napoli,” he told reporters earlier this week.
“But in the future I can’t predict what will happen. In the past I’ve coached in Spain, England and Italy.”
With the Spaniard in contemplative mood, it’s little of a shock to see speculation mounting that Napoli will ring the changes this summer.
The one name who appears to be at the centre of much of the talk at present is Pellegrini.
Under pressure after falling five points behind Chelsea in the title race, with the Pensioners boasting a game in hand, the Chilean looks unlikely to deliver silverware this season.
With City keen to build a team capable of enjoying sustained success both domestically and in Europe, the ex-Villarreal and Real Madrid man could therefore pay a hefty price.
But the Sky Blues’ loss could be Napoli’s gain with the South American coach reportedly open to the idea of a move to Italy.
Speaking to Radio Crc Pellegrini’s agent, Jesus Martinez, said: “Pellegrini has Italian roots, he’s also been on holiday in Naples.
“He’s a lover of language and culture. He greatly appreciates Italy and Neapolitan culture.”
Fourth favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post, more misery against Burnley in the Premier League and Barcelona in Europe could hasten his Etihad exit.
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