Pep Guardiola, the current Manchester City manager and a Barcelona legend, has addressed persistent speculation about his potential future role at FC Barcelona. In a recent interview with RAC1, Guardiola clarified his stance on becoming the club's president, a topic that has been a recurring subject of discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Guardiola, who enjoyed tremendous success as both a player and a manager for the Catalan club, acknowledged his deep connection to Barcelona. He stated, "Becoming Barcelona president? I don't reject Barça. You're always a fan of where you started". However, he definitively stated that he does not envision himself in the presidential box, adding, "But me with a tie in the presidential box? No, I personally can't see myself doing that".
Guardiola highlighted the unique and demanding environment of Barcelona, particularly when it comes to leadership roles. He emphasized the multitude of opinions surrounding the club, noting, "Barça is unique in this regard, because everyone has their say. Only the people on the inside should pay attention to the noise". He further added, "That's why it's the biggest club in the world and the most special: because everyone wants to run for president; that's why we can do this".
During his time as a player, Guardiola made 384 appearances for Barcelona, securing 13 major titles, including six La Liga titles and one Champions League. Transitioning from player to manager, he took charge of the first team in 2008 and led the club to an unprecedented era of success. In his first season, he won the treble, contributing to a total of 14 major honors during his tenure, also winning an award for the world's best club coach in 2008 and 2010. He managed Barcelona for 247 games between July 2008 and June 2012.
While Guardiola has put an end to the speculation about him becoming Barcelona president, the dream of him returning to the club in some capacity has lingered for years. Many fans have hoped to see him back on the bench, guiding the team as he did during their most dominant period. However, signs have suggested that this is more of a romantic notion than a realistic possibility. In 2017, Guardiola stated that he would never be president of Barcelona, suggesting Gerard Pique would take on the role.
Guardiola's recent statement provides clarity on his future aspirations, at least in the short term. While he remains a devoted fan of Barcelona, he does not see himself leading the club from the presidential box.
