Football: Barca rumours 'groundless', Zenit boss Villas-Boas insists

FC Zenit St. Petersburg's new head coach Andre Villas-Boas attends a training session of his team in St. Petersburg on March 21, 2014. Andre Villas-Boas on Monday, April 21, 2014, dismissed out of hand rumours linking him with Spanish football g
FC Zenit St. Petersburg's new head coach Andre Villas-Boas attends a training session of his team in St. Petersburg on March 21, 2014. Andre Villas-Boas on Monday, April 21, 2014, dismissed out of hand rumours linking him with Spanish football giants Barcelona. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP

ST PETERSBURG (AFP) - Zenit St Petersburg manager Andre Villas-Boas on Monday dismissed out of hand rumours linking him with Spanish football giants Barcelona.

"All the rumours about my negotiations with Barcelona representatives are completely groundless," the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Porto coach told reporters.

"I've signed the contract with Zenit and I'm set to stay here until its expiry date."

The 36-year-old Portuguese said he was completely focused on his work with Zenit, adding that he was happy with the club's plans to strengthen the squad.

"My work with Zenit is my top priority," Villas-Boas stressed.

He was speaking on the back of Saturday's 2-1 win at Anzhi Makhachkala which kept Zenit in a one-point lead over Lokomotiv Moscow at the top of the Russian Premier League table.

"It was a very difficult but also a very important match for us," he reflected.

"It's a very significant win for us as we managed to maintain our lead.

"Now, with few matches left we have no choice but to treat each one of our remaining games as a final."

The success over Anzhi was Zenit's fifth consecutive win since Villas-Boas arrived in March.

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