The Manchester City coach has addressed speculation about his future after watching his team defeat Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday
Pep Guardiola ruled out the possibility of returning to Camp Nou, insisting that “Barcelona’s training period ends”.
Speculation about Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has begun to mount as the last six months of his current contract approach.
The Spaniard opened the door to extending his stay at Etihad Stadium, but said he must earn the right to stay in the hot seat by overseeing a successful 2020-21 campaign.
It is suggested that Guardiola may return to Catalonia if he leaves Manchester next summer, with Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font keen to arrange a meeting between the 49-year-old and Lionel Messi.
“We intend to build a very strong and competitive project and we are very fortunate at Barcelona because we have inherited the style of play that Johan Cruyff instilled throughout the organization, and most of the best professionals who know this style are also fans and love of the club – like Pep Guardiola and Xavi.” [Andres] Iniesta [Carlos] Font said “Puyol” Sky Sports Earlier this week.
“They are all legends who love Barcelona but they are not working with Barcelona today – we need to bring them back to ensure we have a very competitive project.”
Guardiola began his coaching career at Camp Nou, winning 14 major titles between 2008 and 2012, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.
He created one of the greatest club teams in history during that period, taking the best of the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique while applying his “Tiki Taka” philosophy.
However, the City coach insists he has closed the book for his Barcelona class once and for all, and that he will return to the club as a fan only.
“My period as Barcelona coach is over. I think you have to do things once in a lifetime,” Guardiola said after watching the Blues beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramal Lane on Saturday afternoon.
“There are incredible people who could be in charge there, now for example Ronald Koeman. It’s over, I’m going back to my city to watch my team, to watch the game, it’s over.”
City rose to seventh in the English Premier League after defeating Blaids, against Olympiacos in the group stage of the Champions League, and Guardiola’s men advance next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are looking to build on a superb European win away to Juventus when they face Alaves this weekend.
