Pep Guardiola gives clear three-word response on whether he would return to Barcelona… with the Man City manager hinting he could leave the Etihad after next season

Pep Guardiola has ruled out ever making a return to Barcelona as manager in the future, as speculation remains over his Manchester City plans. 

The Spanish boss has only one year left on his Man City contract and has hinted that next season could be his last as boss of the club. 

Last season Guardiola led City to a record-breaking fourth Premier League title in row, and his sixth in seven seasons as manager. 

It came just a year after the club became only the second side to win the treble, when they nabbed the title, FA Cup and City’s first-ever Champions League. 

Guardiola has remained tight lipped about his future, but he has squashed any chance of him ever returning to Barca.

The Man City boss has just led the club to it’s fourth consecutive Premier League title 

In four seasons at Barcelona, Guardiola won fourteen major trophies with the club 

The 53-year-old was asked about a possible second stint at the Catalan club during the press conference at his annual golf tournament, The Legends Trophy, and he shot down the possibility by saying, ‘It’s a door that is closed.’ 

Barcelona endured a disappointing season in 2023-24, finishing trophy-less under Xavi and ten points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. 

The club have since appointed German Hansi Flick as the manager in the wake of Xavi’s departure, someone who was constantly compared to Guardiola during his time in charge. 

Speaking on those comparisons, the Man City boss said there was nothing he could do with those who take that view.  

‘What is certain is that it’s not my fault. That’s for sure. I’ve been 11 or 12 years away from Barcelona. I’m not a suspect in that sense. 

‘Ask that to those that have made the comparisons, I haven’t. I wish Xavi the best in finding a new challenge.’ 

During his time in charge of Barca, the Spaniard won 14 major trophies in his four seasons in charge, including leading the club to the treble in Spain. 

Xavi was often compared to Pep Guardiola but couldn’t live up those expectations at Barca 

After sacking Xavi at the end of the season, Barcelona have appointed Hansi Flick as new boss

Despite ruling out a return to the Spanish giants, he has sent his best to the new boss ahead of taking over at the club.

Adding: ‘I wish him the best of luck in the world.’ 

‘When you arrive at a new club you always need help. You have to try to get help from within and have total support. You have to go little by little. You can’t be champion in September or October.

‘Hansi is an extraordinary person, who has a lot of desire. A lot. But he needs his time. What he did at Bayern was extraordinary, he won everything.’