Guardiola Confirms: Barcelona Chapter Closed Forever, No Comeback on the Horizon
17 November 2025
Guardiola rules out a Barcelona return and presidency
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his return to Barcelona to coach the Catalan club is impossible and that the idea of taking the presidency is not on the table.
Legacy and career highlights
The comments came in a Monday interview with the Spanish radio network RAC1, where he reflected on his future and his enduring bond with Barça. Guardiola remains a true Barça icon, deeply missed in the city after a highly fruitful spell as player and coach.
As a coach, Guardiola wrote a history at Barça, winning three consecutive La Liga titles (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11), two Copa del Reys, three Spanish Super Cups, two Champions Leagues (2009, 2011), two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and the club's first sextuple in 2009.
He left the club on April 27, 2012, officially ending his professional association with Barça. Emotionally, he has remained tied to the club despite stints in Germany and Manchester, where he is currently coaching.
Over the years, Guardiola gradually closed the door on a Barça return as a coach; in November 2022, at the club's Gala Stars event, he said that when the day to meet again comes, it should be natural and not forced, and that he does not feel he truly needs Barça.
In 2024, at a Barça-related event, he repeated that the door to coaching Barça is closed, noting he has spent 14 years away from the club. A year later, he was even clearer: "It's over. Finished for good. It was a wonderful experience, but it's over." He also commented on presidency, saying Barça is unique because everyone has an opinion, yet those inside the club should ignore the surrounding noise.
He joked: "I'm not against Barça. You always belong where you started. But me in the dugout with a tie? No, I don't see myself there."
Pep Guardiola: From Legendary Player to Global Coach
Born January 18, 1971, in Santpedor, Catalonia, Guardiola rose through Barcelona's youth ranks and made his first-team debut in 1990-1991 under Johan Cruyff, whose philosophy shaped his later approach. As a player, he was known for his strategic vision and midfield control, contributing to Barça’s successes including the club's first Champions League title in 1992 and appearances with the Spanish national team at the 1994 World Cup.
After retiring, he moved into coaching with Barcelona B in 2007 and quickly demonstrated an extraordinary talent for managing games and developing play. In 2008 he took charge of the first team and launched a golden era, winning 14 trophies in four seasons (2008-2012), including three consecutive La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues (2009, 2011), two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and three Spanish Super Cups, highlighted by the historic sextuple in 2009.
Following Barça, he moved to Bayern Munich (2013-2016) and then Manchester City (from 2016), helping shape both clubs into European powers and cementing his reputation as one of the game's most influential coaches. His philosophy centers on ball control, high pressing, building attacks from the back, and a strong commitment to developing players to reach their full potential.
