Real Madrid Icon Snubs Pep Guardiola’s Chances of FC Barcelona Return After Xavi’s Departure – “If He Returns…”

2024 hasn’t been kind to FC Barcelona. After being dismantled by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup Final, their domestic form took a turn for the worse. Worried by the downward trajectory, Xavi announced his departure. Amidst the chaos, Culers were clinging to the hope that Pep Guardiola might return to save the club just like he did in 2008. However, a Real Madrid icon is unsure if Guardiola will fancy a return, citing his ‘image’ as the primary barrier. Interestingly, Guardiola is not the only high-profile manager on Laporta’s shortlist!

Despite winning the league last season, Xavi’s unexpected announcement has shocked everyone. The Spaniard had cited the pressure & toxicity as the main challenges. Hence, the new manager would have to be comfortable dealing with the demands.

Guti predicts that Pep Guardiola won’t jeopardize his iconic Barcelona reputation, years after his hint

This is the opinion of the legendary Real Madrid midfielder Guti. Speaking on the Spanish Soccer Show El Chiringuito, Guti said (translated via Google), “Guardiola will want them to stay with the image that he won everything. If he returns one day it will be in another position.” Guti does have a point that the Barcelona of today is nowhere near the level the club was during Pep Guardiola’s reign.

Under Pep Guardiola, the Catalan club had won 2 UEFA Champions Leagues in 4 years. In contrast, Xavi’s team is barely able to make the Round of 16. Furthermore, Man City is currently the best team in the world, and moving to Barcelona likely wouldn’t make sense from Pep’s point of view. He, himself, has previously said, “My period as a manager of Barcelona is over.”

With Pep Guardiola seemingly, out of the horizon, who could Barcelona turn to next? Jurgen Klopp is a popular name on the wishlist. But, Klopp might help Barcelona land their No. 1 managerial target! Here’s how.

Read More: Rift Between Deco & Xavi? Reported Reason For FC Barcelona Manager’s Exit

Klopp’s shock Liverpool exit could ignite a domino effect in Barcelona’s favor!

Jurgen Klopp has been a long-standing target of the German National Team. The DFB Vice President Hans Zimmerman had previously said, “I don’t think we need to talk about the fact that Jurgen Klopp is a brilliant coach. He could also be a candidate for national coach.” This could pave the way for the current German coach, Julian Nagelsmann, who is interested in returning to club soccer as the Blaugrana boss.

Nagelsmann’s attacking & progressive style of soccer would delight the Camp Nou. Moreover, having coached Bayern Munich already, the German manager has shown that he is capable of handling the pressure associated with an elite European club. Laporta is a big admirer of the young German and all eyes will be on Jurgen Klopp’s next decision.

Will Pep Guardiola ever return to Barcelona as a manager? Tell us in the comments below.

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