Barcelona: Guardiola stance revealed on potential Camp Nou return

The Spaniard has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Xavi Hernandez in the summer.

Xavi Hernandez announced his decision to step down as Barcelona’s manager last week, sparking speculations over who will replace him.

A number of elite coaches, including Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, have been linked with the managerial job at Barcelona. Despite his recent contract extension at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s name has also surfaced as a possible option.

However, it seems that Barca don’t have a realistic prospect of returning their former coach.

According to Mundo Deportivo, neither Guardiola nor Barcelona president Joan Laporta are considering the manager’s return to Camp Nou. Guardiola’s current contract at Man City runs until 2025, and he has shown no desire to leave the Premier League giants before then.

On Friday, Laporta told RAC1 of Guardiola’s possible return: “He has a contract with Manchester City (2025) and he respects contracts. I speak often with him, and I know what the club thinks about him.”

He added: “It is in Deco’s hands the new coach. We are working on different options. I am focused on the end of the season.”

Barcelona returned to fourth on the La Liga standings after a narrow win over Osasuna on Wednesday. Xavi’s side will take on Alaves in their next La Liga game this weekend.