Pellegrini linked with Barcelona

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he is flattered by the newspaper speculation that he could be lined up as the coach of Barcelona next season. Current Barca boss Frank Rijkaard has reportedly fallen out of favour as the Barca board look for a new boss.

Pellegrini said: "We must remain focused on Villarreal, I cannot manage all the news that is coming from the newspapers and I do not want to give more weight to this item because at the moment it is important to think only of Villarreal.

"It's true, however, that it's an honour to be approached by a club so important, but it will not be for me a distraction."

Pellegrini has helped Villarreal up to second spot in the title race in La Liga, and previously helped the Yellow Submarines to a Champions League semi-final and a number of impressive European performances.