FIFA Football and Soccer Transfer News: Bayern Munich Coach Pep Guardiola Returning To FC Barcelona?
Pep Guardiola said that he is ready to step down as Bayern Munich coach after his maiden season with the club, creating speculations that he could return to FC Barcelona next season.
Guardiola is having a successful season with Bayern Munich, helping the team win the Bundesliga title in a record-setting time.
Bayern also qualified for the German Cup final and they are also set to play in the upcoming Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid.
But despite having a good record in his first season as Bayern Munich coach, reports indicated that the club's top officials aren't too thrilled with Guardiola's patient passing-centered offensive style.
Former Bayern Munich manager and current honorary president Franz Beckenbauer recently said that the club is becoming "unwatchable" because of the style of play.
When asked about the criticisms about his offensive style, Guardiola admitted that most of the comments are hard to swallow, saying that he is ready to move one if the club wants him to go after the current season.
"I have to accept the criticism," Guardiola said, via ESPN FC. "I tell myself 'Pep, calm down.' You are here to work as well as possible, and my best talent is work, work, work. I am here to help the club, and if the club do not want me, a handshake and no problem for me."
And with the possibility of Guardiola leaving Bayern Munich this summer, there is already a growing call for him to return to FC Barcelona after Barça suffered early exits in all three major competitions this season.
Gerardo Martino is expected to be handed his pink slip this summer, and former Barcelona player and coach Johan Cruyff said that the club should pave the way for the return of former president Joan Laporta, whom he believes will convince Guardiola to make a return to Camp Nou.
"The best thing for Barca would be for Guardiola to come back," Cruyff told El Mundo via ESPN. "He is a magnificent coach and there is nobody better. If Laporta is president again I am going to say that the best thing would be to sign Pep, and as he is an intelligent person, I am sure he will do that."
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