Pep Guardiola, the renowned Manchester City manager, has categorically ruled out a return to Barcelona, the club where he made his name and achieved immense success between 2008 and 2012.
Guardiola’s impressive tenure at Camp Nou was marked by three La Liga titles and two Champions League victories, cementing his status as one of the greatest managers in the game.
However, when asked about the possibility of returning to Barcelona, Guardiola emphatically stated, “The door to training Barca again is closed. I’m too old.”
Guardiola’s comments come amidst speculation about his future plans, as he recently hinted that his time at Manchester City is drawing to a close.
While many believed a return to Barcelona could be on the cards, Guardiola has put those rumors to rest.
Instead, he offered words of encouragement and support for his former teammate, Xavi Hernandez, who was recently relieved of his duties as Barcelona manager.
Guardiola expressed sympathy for Xavi, acknowledging the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with managing a club like Barcelona.
“I wish Xavi the best,” Guardiola said. “What is certain is that it is not my fault. I have been away from Barca for 12 years. I am not suspected of anything in this regard.”
Guardiola also shared his own experiences with the intense pressure of managing a top club, stating, “I have lived it since Manchester. It’s one of the most complicated jobs.
The scrutiny is daily. Here everything is debated, and you have to manage many things.”
As Barcelona looks to the future under new manager Hansi Flick, Guardiola offered some wise words of advice.
“What he did at Bayern was extraordinary,” Guardiola said of Flick’s impressive achievements at the German club. “He won it all and how they played…
He has international experience with the national team as well.
Let them help him. Full support for him, and step by step.” Guardiola’s endorsement of Flick is a significant vote of confidence, and Barcelona fans will hope that the new manager can bring similar success to the club.
