Pep Guardiola hints he might step down as Barcelona manager next year – La Liga update
Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, has hinted that the he could leave the club by the start of next year’s 2012 La Liga season. Guardiola, after completing a successful three year spell with Barcelona this year, has signed a one year contract extension deal
which will keep him at Nou Camp until 30 June 2012.
The 40-year-old Barcelona tactician, while revealing his future agenda said, “I think my time is ending here in Barcelona. I am fine here, but when you're at a club like this you cannot stay for too long. Next year will be the fourth consecutive season as
coach of Barcelona.”
Guardiola has given so many victories to the club ever since he took over the managerial role form Frank Rijkaard back in May 2008. He helped Barcelona reach the winning podium on eight occasions including two times La Liga titles, one time UEFA Champions
League silverware and a Copa del Rey trophy.
During this season Barcelona, under the charismatic leadership role of Guardiola, has reached the quarter-final stages of the Champions League and also placed themselves in the finals of Copa del Rey competition. They will take on Real Madrid in Copa del
Rey finals in the latter stages of this month.
Guardiola further revealed, “It takes enthusiasm and more to make such a decision. Such a club must have a lot of courage to take a coach for so long, because the players get tired of coaches and vice-versa.”
Pep Guardiola’s future has been under a serious threat when Sandro Rosell succeeded Joan Laporta as the president of the club last summer. According to media speculation, he has been linked with a move to Manchester United and it is believed that the Red
Devils Chief Executive, David Gill, has been considering him as one of the managerial options who can replace Sir Alex Ferguson at the start of next English Premier League season.
There are rumours that Guardiola may pack his bag to Italy next year for a move to AC Milan or Inter Milan. Guardiola while sharing his great respect for the club said, “Once I am free then I can speak with clubs, but while I am here I will never permit
myself to speak with others.”
Guardiola is believed to be the person who has turned Barca into one of the best football clubs in the world. According to the current La Liga league point tables, Pep Guardiola’s men hold a substantial five-point lead over Jose Mourinho’s team, Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola created club history when he remained unbeaten for consecutive 16 Spanish Primera Liga games.