PEP GUARDIOLA’S father has thrown the door open to his son making a romantic return to Barcelona.
The Manchester City boss was named coach of the year by the Catalan FA last night but was unable to collect his award.
Pep Guardiola’s father has hinted at his son’s return to BarcelonaCredit: PA
He was instead in the dug-out to watch his Premier League champions close the gap to leaders Liverpool to eight points with a 4-1 win over Burnley.
That led to Valenti Guardiola attending the bash instead to pick up the prize on his boy’s behalf.
And according to Marca, he suggested his son might one day return to Barcelona for a second stint in charge.
Valenti said: “It could be a yes, that he returns to Barcelona, but it would be to coach.
“Since he left home, he has always made his own decisions. I’ve never advised him.”
Guardiola, 48, spent the majority of his playing career at the Nou Camp.
During that period he lifted six La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and the European Cup, plus other honours.
After hanging up his boots he became coach of Barcelona B in 2007, but it was a year later his journey to iconic status would begin.
After being promoted to the senior’s head coach, he led Barca to two Champions League victories, three La Liga triumphs and two Copa del Reys playing a brand of football that excited the world.
The Spanish giants have continued their reign of dominance since, lifting another European crown plus four domestic titles.
Now they are in need of a rebuild with many of their stars past their best, and there is no doubt supporters would love to see Guardiola back at the helm.
Meanwhile, Guardiola is “very committed” to Manchester City and the club have a “great relationship” with the world’s top coach.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak revealed their relationship is harmonious, as the club scrap for a third consecutive Premier League title after qualifying for their SEVENTH Champions League knock-out stages in a row.
Al Mubarak, 44, is widely credited with steering the slickest-run operation in the Premier League, alongside CEO Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, who both worked with Guardiola at Barcelona.
He told Sky Sports: “Pep has been an incredible asset to this organisation. We can speak about his managerial accomplishments for hours.
“But I think as a person, as an individual, as a friend, he’s been a core part of what we’ve accomplished here over the last three years.
“He’s very committed. We’re committed to him. You’ve seen his interview a couple of days ago.
“We have a great relationship. We have a great environment here. The people around him, the team we have in place today, the relationships I have with them, this is really an environment that’s conducive to success for both him and everyone involved.
“So I’m very satisfied with his commitment and our commitment to him and I’m looking forward to the continuity of this for years to come.”
Raheem Sterling will NOT sign new £450,000 p/w deal until Pep Guardiola confirms he is staying at Man City
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
