Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has set his sights firmly on bringing Pep Guardiola back to the Camp Nou, should his bid to be re-elected prove successful in 2021, according to a report by Reuters.
Pep Guardiola Wanted Back at Barcelona by Presidential Candidate Joan Laporta
Guardiola and Laporta Have Worked Together Previously
Laporta who was club president of the Catalan side from 2003 to 2010, bore witness to Guardiola’s meteoric rise from youth team coach to the senior side’s manager in 2008.
Working closely together, Guardiola guided Barcelona to seven honours during Laporta’s final two years serving as president.
These triumphs include; the 08/09 UEFA Champions League, two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey & Supercopa de España victory, the UEFA Super Cup and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup.
With the 2021 FC Barcelona presidential election only a year away following current president Josep Bartomeu’s decision to step-down, Laporta declaring his aim to bring Guardiola back to the club should his bid be successful, will no doubt gain him some traction.
What Laporta Said About the Situation
Following an interview with Catalan station TV3, Laporta spoke on his devised plan stating,
“I’m working to introduce myself as a presidential candidate. I’ve been president before and I’m excited to be back,”
“I would very much like Guardiola to come back, but now he is at City and it is a decision that Pep should take. He is a benchmark for Barcelona and many Catalans would like him to coach Barca again.”
“At the right time, I will speak to the person we think should be a Barca coach from 2021.”
Guardiola May Well and Truly Make the Move
In light of Manchester City’s recent two-year European ban for breaking UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, Guardiola’s future with the Citizens has been called into question.
With an appeal in place, Guardiola has vowed to stay at the club whilst backing their fight against this UEFA ban.
However, with just one year left on his contract, this scenario should not be ruled out.
Guardiola’s boyhood club has been in turmoil following the resignation of six directors in April stemming from how the club was being run.
The re-election of former president Laporta may well and truly put an end to this, as one of world football’s most powerful clubs seek to dominate once again.
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