Mauricio Pochettino has shrugged off speculation he could leave Southampton in the summer, after being linked with a move to Italy.
When Nigel Adkins was sacked last year despite leading the Saints to the Premier League, many fans were none too pleased when the Argentine was appointed as his successor. With his only previous managerial position ending at Espanyol when he was sacked in November 2012 with the Spaniards rooted to the foot of La Liga table.
However, Pochettino has made a huge impression in the Premier League, and is fast earning a reputation as one of the best young coaches in the game. His attacking style of football has won him many admirers, and he was linked with the Tottenham Hotspur job before the Londoners appointed Tim Sherwood to succeed the sacked Andre Villas-Boas.
As recently as this week the 41-year-old has been linked with a move to Serie A in time for next season, with reports in Italy claiming several teams are keen on the former Paris St Germain and Bordeaux defender. However, he has shrugged off such speculation, although he has also denied he is in talks over a new deal at Southampton.
“I think if we paid attention to every single report that came out in Italy we’d probably go mad,” said Pochettino. “I can’t really comment on something that has no solidity to it. I am happy here of course. There haven’t been any talks about an extension of the contract but the moment there is some news, I will answer that question.”
Meanwhile, a whole host of Saints stars have been linked with transfers this month. Luke Shaw is said to be wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United, the latter of whom are also reportedly keen on Adam Lallana. Rickie Lambert has again been linked with West Ham United, whilst Dani Osvaldo is said to be wanted by Internazionale and Roma.
But Pochettino told BBC Radio Solent: “There is no intention for the club to sell them. Rumours can happen, especially at this time of the year, but we cannot do anything to stop that, it is what basically happens. We will keep on working and doing what we do.”
