Portsmouth FC: John Mousinho breaks silence on Bristol City exit talk | OneFootball

The Pompey boss has emerged as a potential managerial target for their divisional rivals

Portsmouth and Bristol City are two sides that, heading into the final day of the regular Championship season, have very little but pride to play for.

Whilst that is the case, it has been a season of mixed fortunes for both the Blues and Robins, with the former eventually securing their second tier status for another season in recent weeks due to an upsurge in results and performance levels, whilst the latter have failed to build on last season's play-off finish, which was also their first since losing to Hull City at Wembley Stadium 18 years ago.

Gerhard Struber's appointment in place of Liam Manning at Ashton Gate last June did initially raise optimism levels about the West Country side's potential to go back-to-back in terms of top-six finishes, but they certainly dwindled at the back end of 2025 and start of 2026.

Indeed, the high-profile sales of Anis Mehmeti and Zak Vyner to Ipswich Town and Wrexham respectively led to major frustrations from City supporters, who questioned the ambitions of long-serving owner, Steve Lansdown, who then parted ways with Struber last month after a poor run of form.

The surprise short-term appointment of former Liverpool and England manager, Roy Hodgson followed, with it being stated at the time that the 78-year-old would also assist the hierarchy's decision-making when it comes to appointing the club's next long-term man in the hotseat.

As such, this Saturday's home clash with Stoke City is expected to be Hodgson's last in BS3, having an equal win, draw and loss record from his seven matches.

Unsurprisingly, with the off-season looming, speculation is already rife as to who will take over the Reds, with Pompey boss, John Mousinho, subsequently providing clarity on his situation on the South Coast after becoming the subject of such links.

John Mousinho addresses Portsmouth FC future amid Bristol City managerial links

Mousinho has been in charge of Portsmouth for three-and-a-half years at this point, having initially been appointed in January 2023 during the club's long spell in League One.

The 39-year-old has since won the third tier in the 2023/24 campaign, before helping consolidate the club's position back in the Championship on a limited budget in comparison to several divisional rivals.

Whilst Steven Gerrard has been heavily linked with a move to Bristol City as well as Burnley, it has also emerged that Mousinho and former Swansea City boss, Steve Cooper, are two other names admired by Robins chiefs, with it being claimed that the Pompey bosses' recent comments towards owner, Michael Eisner, could make it a challenge for him to remain at Fratton Park.

However, speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Isleworth native provided his understanding of those reports within an in-depth interview.

"No (I haven't heard anything)," he said. "I think (its), obviously, flattering, first and foremost.

"If there is interest on their side, it's interest on their side. I haven't spoken to Bristol City. They've not made an approach to the football club.

"At this stage, it's exactly that.

"I'm obviously aware of it. But, I suppose the best thing to do is to try and be as aware, open, as honest as possible about these sorts of things.

When asked if he would be open to an approach from Portsmouth's league rivals, Mousinho added: "The interesting thing when anticipating this question is that, through my time at the football club, what I never want to do is disrespect the Portsmouth fans.

"I've been asked this question a few times before, and my answer is always that I don't want to sit here and lie and say I'm going to be at the football club forever.

"I'm currently not in a position where I'm desperately looking to leave. I'm not seeking to leave the football club," he stated.

Portsmouth FC support will be massively reassured by John Mousinho's comments

It will certainly come as some form of reassurance to Pompey fans that Mousinho isn't actively seeking an exit from the club, even though he has recently set out public demands towards the hierarchy in terms of investment.

The Blues boss has certainly split opinion this season more than any other time he has had at the club, but he is certainly now back in the good books of the majority of supporters as their Championship status has been secured for another year.

It is no real surprise also that, given his work on a limited budget, clubs with higher resources like Bristol City have admired such feats from afar, but the Robins may have to look elsewhere if they want to progress forward again themselves after a regressive campaign.