Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has revealed that he would be open to returning to Barcelona “for free,” although not as a manager. Guardiola, who led Barcelona to numerous titles including two UEFA Champions League trophies, expressed his desire to be the ultimate supremo of the club if he were to return.

Guardiola’s Successful Stint at Barcelona

During his time at Barcelona, Guardiola achieved great success, winning multiple trophies including three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Club World Cups. His tenure also saw Lionel Messi and the team secure two UEFA Champions League titles, including a historic treble in the 2008-2009 season.

Aitana Bonmati as Sporting Director

In a recent documentary, Guardiola mentioned that his first signing as Barcelona’s sporting director would be Aitana Bonmati. Bonmati, a Spanish World Cup winner and the recipient of the Laureus Award for Sportswoman of the Year in 2023, expressed her enthusiasm for holding a position of command but also highlighted the need for more women in such roles.

Guardiola responded by stating that he has no intention of coaching until he’s 80 and playfully remarked, “We’ll see who signs who.” This exchange between Guardiola and Bonmati has sparked excitement among Barcelona fans, who are eager to see Guardiola return to the club in a different capacity.

Guardiola’s Focus on Current Challenges

Despite the speculation about a potential return to Barcelona, Guardiola’s immediate focus remains on guiding Manchester City to success. After their Champions League exit, Guardiola is determined to secure a domestic double by winning the FA Cup and Premier League. Manchester City currently trails Arsenal by four points in the league but has two games in hand. They will also face Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 25th.

Guardiola’s next challenge is an away fixture against Brighton in the Premier League on Thursday.