Josep Gombau has scoffed at reports linking him with the coaching job at Melbourne Heart and is adamant his future lies with the Reds in Adelaide.
Josep Gombau has scoffed at reports linking him with the coaching job at Melbourne Heart and is adamant his future lies with the Reds in Adelaide.
Reports emerged this week that Heart’s Manchester City contingent had enquired about the possibility of luring the Spanish coach to Melbourne for next season.
Gombau is contracted to the Reds for next season while the Heart have also just re-signed coach John van ‘t Schip to a new three-year deal.
The speculation is sure to add some spice to Friday night’s clash between the two clubs at Coopers Stadium but Gombau insists he’s happy in Adelaide.
“For me everything here in Adelaide is very good. I don’t have reason to speak to any other club,” Gombau said via an Adelaide United statement on Thursday.
“Any other club has not approached me. Melbourne Heart has appointed John van ‘t Schip for three more years and he deserves it because he is doing a very good job and they are playing good football.
“For me it is a little disrespectful to John to say that his club approached this coach or another coach.”
After a slow start to his tenure at the club, Gombau has turned the Reds into one of the most exciting sides in the Hyundai A-League and a genuine contender for the title.
The club have said they will review the season before deciding on any potential contract extensions for Gombau but the Spaniard has indicated he is keen to extend his stay.
“The club is speaking with me about an extension and I am sure we will come to an agreement to stay here in Adelaide for a longer time,” he said.
“But now is the time to concentrate on the team. We have two very important games still to play and then we hope also some games in the finals to finish as high on the table as possible.
“The players have been amazing. They have been working so hard all year from the beginning and now they can see the results are coming because of their efforts.
“Also the other coaches and staff everybody in the football department is doing their jobs well to help the team.”
Adelaide will book their finals spot with a win over Heart on Friday night before they finish the regular season with a trip to Hunter Stadium to face Newcastle Jets seven days later.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Heart
4 April 7.00pm (local) Cooper Stadium.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The match will be broadcast LIVE on SBS 2 and Fox Sports 1HD
