Malaga winger Joaquin Sanchez has disclosed that boss Manuel Pellegrini has told the players he is staying with the club.
The Costa del Sol outfit was put up for sale by Qatari owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani two weeks ago amid mounting claims of money owed to players in salaries and to other clubs for transfer fees.
Midfielder Santi Cazorla and striker Jose Salomon Rondon have already departed and other high earners are expected to follow, with rumours that Pellegrini could be one of them.
Nonetheless, Spanish international Joaquin says the Chilean has informed his squad that he is not ready to jump ship just yet.
“He [Pellegrini] has told us that right now we should not worry about him and that he will be here with us.
“It’s true that we don’t know what the future holds for any of us, but what will be will be and he is going to be alongside us,” the former Real Betis and Valencia player revealed in an interview with AS.
Malaga enter Friday’s Champions League qualifying round draw in Nyon and Joaquin is confident there is still enough quality at the club to make an impact in the competition.
“We’ve got a good competitive team that can make it through the qualifier, although it won’t be easy.
“It looks like if we reach the group stage then it will be with a reduced squad. I hope we can bring in reinforcements.”
In addition, Joaquin says he has no intention of leaving Los Blanquiazules even though the matter could be taken out of his hands.
“I hope I don’t have to move as what I want to do is enjoy myself here.
“I came to Malaga with an idea and because of a project. I still have that idea in my head and nobody is going to take it away.
“I can’t believe what is happening. It’s a shame after having such a great year but I want to carry on and help those of us who are still at the club,” he added.
