Milan President Silvio Berlusconi visited the team ahead of the Juventus” data-scaytid=”6″>Juventus match and confirmed “we will try to sign Pep Guardiola, but Manchester City are in pole position.”
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi visited the team ahead of the Juventus match and confirmed “we will try to sign Pep Guardiola, but Manchester City are in pole position.”
The patron and former Italian Prime Minister landed in his helicopter at the Milanello training ground for the second Friday in a row, believing his motivational speaking had spurred the team on to their results against Napoli and Anderlecht.
Tomorrow evening the Rossoneri welcome Juventus and Berlusconi hopes to again get the best out of his squad.
However, he hit the headlines with a statement that will raise eyebrows in Italy, England and Spain.
“There are several English clubs who want Guardiola, in particular Manchester City, as they are in pole position because some of their directors know him well.
“We will try to sign him, but it’s going to be tough.”
Berlusconi’s comment suggests that not only are Milan already looking to the post-Massimiliano Allegri era, but also that City are planning to replace Roberto Mancini after their Champions League exit.
Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for Guardiola, having appointed Rafa Benitez as interim manager to replace Roberto Di Matteo this week.
Berlusconi was also asked about reports of an exchange between Mario Balotelli and Alexandre Pato.
“I don’t like exchanges.”