Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed rumours that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could return to the Camp Nou in the summer.
Deco was a guest on Esport3’s Onze and his quotes are relayed by Thursday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo. Xavi Hernández is currently in charge at the La Liga side but has announced his decision to step down at the end of this season.
This has given birth to reports linking the Manchester City manager and other candidates to become Xavi’s successor at Barca.
Guardiola spent four years at the Catalan club between 2008 and 2012, and won the treble in his debut season. His current deal at the Etihad lasts until 2025 and he’s recently talked about the possibility of signing a new contract at Manchester City.
Deco has already ruled out appointing Barca reserve team coach Rafa Márquez as Xavi’s replacement. At the same time, Mundo claim the director has praised Guardiola, ‘without fuelling the dream’ of bringing him back to the club.
“He’s a great coach. He was the coach of the best Barca in history. No doubt. And he has continued to win. He’s the best in the world,” he said.
“We are not talking to any coach. It is normal that the press is asking questions but talking about a manager with a contract shows a lack of respect for others and for us.”
Deco has hailed Pep Guardiola, but has also made sure not to annoy Manchester City… at this stage anyway.
