Roberto Mancini has played down speculation that he will succeed
Jose Mourinho as Chelsea boss.
The Internazionale manager has been touted by some as a future
incumbent of the Stamford Bridge hot seat following the uncertainty
that has surrounded Mourinho's position in recent weeks.
Inter are riding high in Serie A after claiming a club record 14
consecutive wins and Mancini's coaching pedigree can not be
questioned.
But the Italian is happy at the Nerazzurri and claims quotes
attributed to him recently have been misleading.
"It's like if a good player who plays in a great team is wanted by
another big club. It is satisfying because it means that I am doing
a good job," said Mancini.
"I have never spoken to anyone and I certainly haven't said those
comments," Mancini added, when asked if he had expressed an
interest in moving to Chelsea.
"I cannot deny something that I haven't said.
"If the press comment on some quotes that I may have said two years
ago, for example, that I would want to coach in England after my
adventure with Inter finishes, it's a different story."
Inter president Massimo Moratti has already stated his
determination to keep Mancini at the club long-term, and the coach
- whose existing contract expires in 2008 - appears keen on the
idea.
"When things are going well, it's not good to make alterations,"
said Mancini.
"Are there grounds to continue with this project? I think so,
there's no problem whatsoever.
"Will I be able to remain at Inter like, for example, Sir Alex
Ferguson at Manchester United?
"I think this is very difficult in Italy - he (Ferguson) has been
at Manchester for 20 years. For us, we would have to win
practically always.
"In Italy, if you win for four or five straight years and then you
fail in the sixth year to win something, things happen."