By MARK IRWIN
CHELSEA have been told to back off Pep Guardiola or risk losing out on the former Barcelona coach.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich is desperate to confirm Guardiola as his new long-term manager after sacking Roberto Di Matteo and appointing Rafa Benitez as interim boss.
But the former Nou Camp idol is growing increasingly irritated by persistent approaches from Chelsea even though he is strongly the favorite for the job according to paddy power.
His advisors made it clear to Abramovich that Guardiola does not appreciate the mounting pressure they are putting on him to reveal his next club.
Guardiola, 41, stunned football in April when he announced he was quitting Barcelona and would be taking a year’s break.
But Chelsea were on the phone less than a month later begging him to take charge at Stamford Bridge.
And it was only when Guardiola rejected Abramovch’s overtures that Di Matteo was confirmed as Chelsea’s full-time boss despite winning their first Champions League crown.
A second approach was made and declined last month before the decision had even been taken to dump Di Matteo.
Abramovich wants an indication from Guardiola that he would be willing to come to London when his sabbatical is up — well aware that Paris St Germain and both Manchester clubs are also interested.
But the man who won 14 titles in four years at Barcelona is refusing to be rushed into a decision.
