What’s the story?
Barcelona have made an initial contact with former manager Pep Guardiola to take over the reins at the 5 time European Champions from Luis Enrique, who is set to leave in the summer.
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According to sources in Spain, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu feels that the Catalan giants are going through a transition period with their golden generation seemingly on the wane, and they need an experienced hand in guiding the club through the phase. Pep knows Barcelona like the back of his hand, and his experience and tactical knowledge can guide the Blaugrana to back where they belong.
In case you didn’t know..
Pep Guardiola's first big job in management was at Barcelona when he stepped up from their B side in 2008. The Spaniard won the treble in his first season at Camp Nou, adding two more in the next three years.
The former Barcelona manager won two Champions League trophies with Barcelona, before eventually moving on to German champions Bayern Munich after a year’s sabbatical.
The heart of the matter
Barcelona have failed to replace Pep Guardiola since he left the club. Luis Enrique was the closest to replicating the success of his former teammate, and he did to a certain extent, but the fans aren’t happy with the team’s style.
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Also, since Pep Guardiola’s departure from the club, there has been no notable La Masia graduates introduced into the squad. At the least, no one who made the kind of impact the likes of Sergio Busquets and Pedro did when they were called up, which hasn't gone down well with the club's most passionate fans.
Also, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
What’s Next?
It’s a precarious situation with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He might not be as much pressure as he would have been at a club like Barcelona or Bayern Munich, but the former Barcelona B manager has struggled with the English team given the squad he has at his disposal.
He has, on various occasions during the season, expressed his displeasure with the player’s not being able to take his philosophy on board. Barcelona are right to knock on that proverbial door.
Author’s Take
If there is anyone who disagrees that Pep Guardiola and Barcelona are a match made in heaven are either devoid of romance or is a Real Madrid fan. It will honestly be excellent to see the Spaniard back at Catalonia, but for that to happen there’s a lot of water which needs to pass under the bridge.
Also, Lionel Messi’s best moments were under his tutelage. Bring back the good times.
