THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini acknowledged there is uncertainty over his future on Saturday and defended his record in his first season at the club.
Pellegrini told a news conference that if he is replaced then his successor will "have to beat Barcelona, win 18 home games, total more than 100 points and score more than 100 goals."
Speculation has surrounded the Chilean’s future since Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League by Lyon in March. Local media has linked Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho with the job.
"I don’t think Real Madrid is working behind the back of its coach," Pellegrini said. "It doesn’t go with the values of the club, but nor am I naive enough to think that all these rumours are pure speculation."
He added that he has not received notification that his two-year contract will be ended in the off-season, although he said it would be wrong to be paid for the final year of the deal without working.
The former Villarreal coach said he enjoyed the support of fans and was proud of his players, particularly their performance in the league.
Madrid is one point behind Barcelona. The title will be decided when Madrid plays Malaga and Barcelona plays Valladolid on Sunday’s final day of the Spanish league season.