Real Betis deny reports that Pellegrini is about to leave the club

Just one week after taking over as Real Betis director of football, Antonio Cordon has needed to put out his first fire. This is after Manuel Pellegrini, a recent arrival himself, was linked with a move back to the Chinese Super League.

Pellegrini was confirmed as the new head coach at the beginning of July but reports have suggested he was set for a sensational return to China.

In declarations to 'El Larguero', Cordon squashed the story immediately. "You have to have a great imagination to publish that."

"There have been no offers," insisted Cordon. "The Betis fans can be calm because their coach is going to be here for a while."

Cordon claims Pellegrini is fully committed to Betis and the rumours have come from a misunderstanding. "Pellegrini has come to Betis with a lot of ambition. He's very motivated and is fully focused on getting the team ready for preseason. It's a story which is lacking context and has formed a mind of its own, from what they've told me."

Pellegrini's agent, Jesús Martínez, also confirms that the coach isn't going anywhere. "Pellegrini received offers and decided that Betis were the best team for him. Pellegrini isn't going to China," he told 'El Chiringuito'.