Man City coach Pep Guardiola could be tempted by Spain return, claims Rivaldo

Return? Rivaldo thinks Pep Guardiola could make a shock return to Spain.
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Joe Krishnan15 May 2019

Pep Guardiola could be tempted into making a return to management in Spain, according to former Brazil star Rivaldo.

The Manchester City coach became the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to guide his team to back-to-back Premier League titles on Sunday.

The Catalan can complete the domestic treble if they beat Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday, having already won the EFL Cup back in February.

Standard Sport understands that Barcelona - who Guardiola managed between 2008-12 - are considering potential replacements for current coach Ernesto Valverde, following their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool.

And former Barca star Rivaldo believes the 49-year-old could be lured back to Spain if the right offer comes along.

Guardiola celebrates winning the Premier League title with his players and staff.
AFP/Getty Images

"Pep always showed ambition to become manager and I can only be happy about how things are working out for him, as he is one of the best managers in the world without a doubt," he told Betfair.

"Furthermore, he has a special way of interacting with his players, showing the great human being that he is, and all the players seem to have a good impression of him.

"Of course, when you perform well it's normal that other top clubs become interested in your services. I believe Pep will have other opportunities and new projects to think about this summer and, despite his apparent satisfaction at the Etihad, perhaps a good proposal from a Spanish club could interest him.

"I'm saying this because Pep doesn't like to be away from his family and friends and really enjoys the time spent with them, so a possible return to Spain would be helpful."

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Guardiola signed a contract extension in May last year which keeps him at the club until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

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