Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini insists he is staying with the Costa del Sol club despite it being put up for sale by its Qatari owners.
The Chilean was rumoured to be considering his position with Los Blanquiazules, yet the former Villarreal and Real Madrid Coach says he has already taken the decision to remain at La Rosaleda.
“My situation is very clear. I want to stay at the club and help it through these difficult moments,” said Pellegrini in an interview with AS.
“Of course things have gone wrong here on the economic side and what’s more the players have not been paid.
“The priority now is to address these delays and then we can look forward.”
The 58-year-old admitted he had spoken to Moayad Shatat, an aide sent by owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani to sort out the current situation, and was asked if he is surprised by what has happened.
“I had two long and positive chats with Shatat and we are not looking for explanations but solutions.
“At the end of last season the intention was to sign three or four top-class players, but am I surprised? No.
“The owners have spent a lot of money although they have paid for their inexperience. They have responded too late but that is the club’s policy.”
Pellegrini declared he is now looking forward to the Champions League qualifying round, where Malaga have been drawn against Panathinaikos.
“The priority now is the players. They have naturally been affected by this but have enough spirit to get through to the next stage.
“This is the time to think about the Champions League, to look to the future and any new signings, and I’m convinced we will see these players in the group stages. They have made a huge effort.”
