Chelsea forward Pedro denies exit claims and commits to Guus Hiddink era

Chelsea forward Pedro will not become the first in a raft of exits from Stamford Bridge following the departure of Jose Mourinho. Reports suggest the 28-year-old will attempt to leave the club if Pep Guardiola, his former manager at Barcelona, replaces Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City.

Don Balon understand that both Pedro and under-fire midfielder Cesc Fabregas would both be looking to jump ship should the Etihad Stadium club recruit Guardiola, who will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current season after three seasons in Bavaria. Spain international Pedro joined the Blues in the summer but has scored just two goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

Such form has seen him linked with a move away from Chelsea – reports which have been accentuated by the departure of Mourinho following a disastrous start to the club's title defence. But Pedro says he has no plans to move to the north-west and is looking forward to working under interim head coach Guus Hiddink.

"I'm happy here," he said according to The Evening Standard. "This information that I'm not is false. I am very satisfied to be here in this club. I am happy with the supporters and this team. Obviously the situation is not good but together it is possible for us to climb the table.

"Guus Hiddink is a very good coach and I am sure the club are confident about him. He spoke with me after the Sunderland game for a minute in Spanish and I had a good feeling. For me it was perfect. He was telling me is happy here and with the team."

The other player embroiled in speculation regarding his future is Cesc Fabregas, whose performances have too been way below expectations. The former Arsenal captain was subject to vocal criticism from Chelsea supporters during the 3-1 win over Sunderland – the first game since the exit of Mourinho – and has also become involved in an off-the-field row with Pat Nevin.

But Pedro is confident Fabregas can emerge from the current condemnation and is backing his fellow-countryman to turn his form around. "It was difficult for him but he can get through this. He is mentally strong and very competitive," the Chelsea summer signing added. "Cesc is a top player, a very good character in the team, he is a winner and it is good he plays for us.

"I understand why the fans are so upset. It is normal when the team and coach are in this position. Jose Mourinho is a very good coach. It is a difficult situation for everyone. It was certainly difficult for the players, but it was an important win. The supporters have been good to us this season. They have always been with us. I don't say anything against them, they are part of us."