Mauricio Pochettino has underlined his commitment to Espanyol after turning down the chance to manage Sampdoria.
Manager turns down chance to take Sampdoria job
Mauricio Pochettino has underlined his commitment to Espanyol after turning down the chance to manage newly-promoted Serie A side Sampdoria.
Sampdoria beat Varese 3-2 on aggregate in the Italian play-off final to secure their return to the top flight after just one season away.
However, they are believed to be targeting a new boss for the start of the new season and had reportedly agreed to meet the €1.5million (£1.2m) clause in Pochettino's contract which allows him to speak to other clubs.
Pochettino, who has been in charge of Espanyol for three-and-a-half years, has now confirmed that he will be staying put and hopes that will allow the club to move forward.
He told Espanyol's
official website: "I had offers but I will stay but I have rejected them, my heart lies here.
"My future has caused a lot of uncertainty and this is not good for the club or the fans.
Strength
"I want to be positive and participate in the changes we are making here because this club has great values. The objective is to build a squad that can compete in the Spanish league.
"The fans deserve to hear from the mouth of their coach what I am thinking. In the last few hours they have been worried, but I will only leave when the board and the fans don't believe in me.
"I believe this press conference will serve to show our strength and we are working as hard as possible to create a project that will excite the supporters."
Reports suggest that Sampdoria have turned their attention to former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez after missing out on Pochettino.
