Guardiola Hints At Early Return To Management

Chelsea and Liverpool have been alerted to the latest comments from Pep Guardiola, after the Spaniard hinted he could be ready for an early return to management.

Guardiola will end a glorious four-year reign as Barcelona manager tonight when the Catalans take on Athletic Bilboa in the Copa del Rey final.

The former midfielder ensured he would go down as one of the greatest managers in Barcelona’s history after winning an astonishing 13 trophies during his four years in charge, including three league titles, two champions leagues and a Copa del Rey.

The 41-year-old revealed at the end of April that he was stepping down as Barca boss to spend a year away from the game and spend time with his family. However, the BBC quote him today as saying he is ready to listen to any offers that come in and could return if a club ‘seduces’ him.

“I will receive all calls with pleasure, but for the next months I have to recharge my batteries and my mind,” said Guardiola.

“I will be ready [to return] if one club wants me and seduces me.” Guardiola is quoted as saying by the BBC

These comments will almost certainly alert officials at Chelsea and Liverpool, with both clubs currently looking to fill a managerial void. Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish after a disappointing league campaign while Chelsea are looking for a permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas, with interim manager Roberto Di Matteo’s future yet to be decided.