“He Has a Contract” – Deco Snubs Pep Guardiola & Jose Mourinho’s Linkups to FC Barcelona Over Coaching Role

Xavi has made clear that he will leave FC Barcelona this summer. Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho, one of the most decorated coaches of the era, is left without a job. Mourinho could help fix Barcelona’s manager conundrum. Meanwhile, rumors also link Manchester City’s treble-winning boss, Pep Guardiola, to return as their head coach. However, Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco has now given a clear red light to both Mourinho and Guardiola.

After denying any contact with Mourinho, Deco stressed it is ‘unethical‘ to try and speak with Pep Guardiola.

Deco calls Mourinho ‘friend’ but keeps him away from Barcelona while refusing to approach Pep Guardiola!

In a recent conversation with Esport3, Deco addressed the rumor about Jose Mourinho joining Barcelona after Xavi’s imminent departure. “He’s my friend, but I’m not speaking to José since long time,” said Blaugrana’s Sporting Director. Mourinho is unemployed after AS Roma sacked him in early January. And Barcelona is seemingly not interested in the Portuguese veteran. Soon, Deco was quizzed about Pep Guardiola’s links to the club. “Guardiola? We’re not at the moment to talk to any coach. Besides, he has a contract, it wouldn’t be ethical,” Deco replied.

Pep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025. Besides, similar to Xavi, the City boss had earlier hinted that it was difficult to thrive as Barcelona’s boss amid intense scrutiny from the fans and the media. During his stint, Guardiola had won a treble and numerous other honors at the Catalan club. Anyhow, Deco has shut the door to the legendary manager’s return. And onward goes Blaugrana’s pursuit of finding Xavi’s replacement. Let’s see which other candidates are linked to take over the Camp Nou after Xavi leaves.

Other coaches linked to FC Barcelona, as Xavi’s exit looms over

Italian side Bologna’s coach Thiago Motta has been often mentioned as Xavi’s replacement at the Camp Nou. However, Deco took the same stance on Motta, as the one he took on Mourinho and Guardiola. “Thiago Motta? I didn’t see many games of Bologna as we are busy travelling, I follow other teams. He’s doing great but there’s nothing with him,” said Deco. Besides Motta, rumors have it that Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp could head to Barcelona next. He announced he will leave Liverpool this summer because of a burnout.

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Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta and Hansi Flick are other potential candidates for the job. Arteta might reportedly step down as Arsenal’s boss after the end of this season. Meanwhile, German NT’s coach Hansi Flick is reportedly the favorite of Joan Laporta. Who do you think will succeed Xavi at the Blaugrana camp? Tell us in the comments.

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