BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Pep Guardiola “the door will always be open for him” at the Nou Camp.
Struggling Guardiola, 48, has failed to get the best out of his flagging Man City this team this season.
The door has been opened for Man City boss Pep Guardiola to return to Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
And it’s reckoned he could quit the Etihad at the end of the campaign.
City are already 14 points behind Liverpool in the title race.
And speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United, Guardiola claimed his side are NOT capable of closing the gap – and are also unable to compete for the Champions League.
The Spaniard is paying dearly for his refusal to sign a replacement for Vincent Kompany.
But Guardiola is still adamant he will not splash the cash in the upcoming winter transfer window.
It’s led to speculation that Mikel Arteta could be taking charge at the Etihad next year.
And a return to Barcelona may be on the cards for Guardiola should he decide to call time on his Premier League adventure.
The Catalans are joint-top of La Liga but have come under heavy criticism for a lack of identity and playing style.
Ernesto Valverde has also fallen well short in Europe, and Barca chief Bartomeu has revealed Guardiola will always be welcome at the club.
He told La Repubblica: “It doesn’t depend on me.
“It was Pep who decided to leave, but the door will always be open for him at Barca.”
Guardiola came through the Catalan club’s famous academy before going to play in 382 games, winning six league titles, two Spanish cups and one European cup.
He returned as manager in 2008 and won three consecutive La Liga titles, as well as two Champions League and two Spanish Cups.
Guardiola then succeeded in Germany as he led Bayern Munich to three Bundesliga trophies.
During his time at City, Pep has lifted the Premier League twice, as well as last season’s FA Cup.
Man City fan appears to mock Man United over Munich air disaster with sick aeroplane gesture during derby clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
