MANCINI HAPPY AT INTER

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Rome

Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini has played down speculation he is a leading candidate to coach Chelsea if current manager Jose Mourinho leaves at the end of the season.

Inter won the 2005-06 Scudetto after Juventus were stripped and look a good bet to defend the title this term with Mancini having led the the club to a Serie A record 14 consecutive wins.

Mancini said on the club's official website: "It's like if a good player who plays in a great team is wanted by another big club. It is satisfying because it means that I am doing a good job.

"I have never spoken to anyone and I certainly haven't said those comments," Mancini added, when asked if he had expressed interest in leading the Blues.

"I cannot deny something that I haven't said.

"If the press comment on some quotes that I may have said two years ago, for example, that I would want to coach in England after my adventure with Inter finishes, it's a different story."

Inter president Massimo Moratti said earlier this month he wanted Mancini to stay at the club for many years.

Mancini has not signed a contract extension - his current deal expires in 2008 - but he said: "When things are going well, it's not good to make alterations.

"Are there grounds to continue with this project? I think so, there's no problem whatsoever.

"Will I be able to remain at Inter like, for example, Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United?

"I think this is very difficult in Italy... he (Ferguson) has been at Manchester for 20 years. For us, we would have to win practically always.

"In Italy, if you win for four or five straight years and then you fail in the sixth year to win something, things happen."