Pep Guardiola to Barcelona? Manchester City Boss Issues Brutal Response About Nou Camp Return

• Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City when his contract runs out in the summer of 2025
• The Spaniard’s future after his stint at the Etihad is uncertain, with initial rumours suggesting a Barcelona return
• Guardiola recently addressed the possibility of returning to the Spanish club with a concise, three-word statement

Pep Guardiola all but quashed any hopes of his return to Barcelona with a brutal three-word message.

The Manchester City manager is unwinding after another gruelling campaign where he narrowly won the Premier League.

City ended the 2023/2024 season just two points ahead of Arsenal, as Guardiola cemented his place in the Premier League history books as one of the most dominant managers in the English top flight.

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In May, the former Bayern Munich boss, whose contract will run out in June 2025, hinted that the 2024/2025 season would be his last at the Etihad.

According to ESPN, Guardiola was asked on Monday whether a return to Barcelona was on the cards, to which he replied by saying:

"It's a door that is closed."

He spoke during a press conference at his annual golf tournament, which is being played in Girona, Spain.

Guardiola added, "The Barça bench is one of the most complicated because you have to manage many cases. In Manchester everything we do remains inside and at Barça, everything comes out,"

Guardiola’s time at Barcelona

During his time with the Catalan club, Guardiola put together one of the most formidable squads in the club’s history.

As per Transfermarkt, he won 14 honours with the Spanish giants, including two Champions League titles and three La Liga championships.

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In his press conference, the 53-year-old also showed sympathy towards one of his former players, Xavi, who was brutally sacked by Barca after a tumultuous season that ended without a trophy.

Guardiola also dispelled rumours that his entourage was too critical of Xavi when he was still in charge at the Nou Camp.

"I wish Xavi the best," Guardiola said. "What is certain is that it is not my fault. I have been away from Barca for 12 years. I am not suspected of anything in this regard."

Barcelona appoint Hansi Flick

In May, Barcelona confirmed the appointment of Hansi Flick to take over from Xavi.

Like Guardiola, Flick has also managed Bayern Munich with a lot of success, winning the Bundesliga and Champions League double in 2020.

All cup finals Guardiola has managed

Sports Brief recently looked at Pep Guardiola’s record in cup finals after the Spaniard lost the FA Cup to Manchester United on Saturday, May 25.

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The 2-1 FA Cup final loss was only the second time Guardiola has ever lost in a major cup final, which is an impressive feat considering he has been involved in 23 finals in the 15 years he has been a manager.

Interestingly, the two cup finals he has lost as a manager have all come at Manchester City.