In-demand Guardiola committed – Barcelona

(GSM) – Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is committed to the club’s long-term project, according to the club’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

Zubizarreta has dismissed reports that Manchester United have identified Guardiola as Sir Alex Ferguson’s eventual successor.

Guardiola, who has won every available title with Barcelona, opted to sign a two-year contract despite having been offered a six-year deal.

Zubizarreta has lavished praise on the young coach, but is unconcerned about Guardiola’s future at the Catalan giants.

“If Ferguson is thinking that way, he has excellent taste,” the former Barca and Spain goalkeeper told Ona FM.

“But everybody knows the ties Guardiola has with Barca, which go far beyond the contract he has.”

Zubizarreta further reassured supporters by adding: “There is nothing we are keeping (from people) and nothing holding us back – we are working on a long-term project.”