Pep Guardiola has finally agreed terms on a new one-year deal to remain as manager of Barcelona.
There has been a lot of press speculation in England that Manchester United would like Guardiola to replace Sir Alex Ferguson when Fergie finally leaves Old Trafford at the end of next season. Since Guardiola has only signed a one year contract, those rumors will not go away.
Guardiola will not sign his new contract until the summer after Barcelona hold their presidential elections but current president Joan Laporta has been quoted on the Barcelona web site as saying:
“We are here to announce that Pep Guardiola will be the coach of Barca for another year. The contract will be signed with the new president but we have Pep’s word that he will be the coach. I think that is very good news for everyone associated with Barcelona because we all wanted Pep to continue. He doesn’t like me saying it but Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and we are proud to continue to have him here.”
Guardiola had a fantastic first season at the Nou Camp winning the domestic treble and this season he has seen his team win the European Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Guardiola said:
“I know that sooner or later I will cease to be coach of Barca and I have to enjoy the time I’m here to the maximum. A coach of Barca can’t be here for life. I think that you have to sign for short periods in which the coach has to earn things, with the players, with the fans. I wanted to see if that was happening, if I had the support of the players, the board. Nowhere am I going to be as comfortable as I am here.”
I find it really interesting that Barcelona and/or Guardiola are unwilling to sign a long-term contract. Why? Is it because he does not get along with Laporta, or is it because he already has a job lined up with another club at the end of next season?
photo credit:Alex Tremps
