Pep Guardiola is, without a fraction of doubt, one of the best football managers in the modern era. From Champions League titles to treble-winning seasons and even sextuples, the Spaniard is a legendary tactician. From managing ‘prime’ FC Barcelona to Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Guardiola has been in charge of the dugout for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
However, the manager left Barcelona back in 2012, and eventually joined Bayern Munich after a year away from the spotlight. While personal reasons, strained relationships and burnout all contributed to his departure, there isn’t one FC Barcelona fan that would be against him making a return. In a recent interview, Guardiola addressed the same and spoke of a potential return to the club.
Is the door closed for my potential return to FC Barcelona? Yes, door closed. Pep Guardiola said in an interview, captured by Victor Navarro
The Spaniard is currently on the back of an eighth successful season at Manchester City, completing the campaign with a Premier League title! Despite having one more year left on his City contract, it is rumored that the manager will not extend with the Cityzens.
Pep Guardiola claims that he had ‘nothing to do’ with Xavi’s departure
FC Barcelona ended the 2023/24 campaign in second, trailing ten points behind eternal rivals Real Madrid. Despite having to work with injuries and significant absentees, it was largely believed that boss Xavi Hernandez did a good job to keep the team afloat. However, in a sudden U-turn, club President Joan Laporta made the decision to sack the club legend!
He was eventually replaced by former FC Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick. In a recent interaction with the press, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about the same, to which he replied candidly.
Whatever happened to Xavi is not my fault. I have not made the comparisons. Xavi Hernandez said in an interview
The Man City manager was replying in context to the possibility of Xavi’s tenure being compared to that of his in La Liga.
Xavi has been replaced by German manager Flick, and his non-Barcelona background has given reason for much scepticism. However, Guardiola, being a former Bayern manager himself, revealed that he wished the German the best and that he wishes for him to succeed at the club. Guardiola coached Xavi at Barcelona and remain close friends off the pitch.
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