MX23RW : Wednesday, November 27 05:36:41| >> :120:6417:6417:

Deco shoots down Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho Barcelona return rumours

Deco shoots down Guardiola, Mourinho Barcelona return rumours
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco suggests that there are no plans to try to appoint Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho as the club's next manager.

Sporting director Deco has played down suggestions that Barcelona could target the managerial appointment of Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho.

Last month, Xavi made the surprise announcement that he plans to end his stint at boss at the end of the current season.

That has led to daily speculation with regards to who the Catalan giants could appoint as his replacement, with a wide array of names having been linked with a switch to Camp Nou.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and departing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp are all said to be under consideration.

Nevertheless, talk remains over potential Barcelona returns for the likes of Guardiola and Mourinho, the former having been a player and manager in the past and Mourinho having started his coaching career in Catalonia.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts on January 26, 2024© Reuters

While Guardiola has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Manchester City since 2016, the Spaniard currently has a contract until 2025, inevitability leading to speculation regarding his future.

Meanwhile, Mourinho is out of work after recently being sacked by Roma, albeit with his reputation maintained on the back of two appearances in European finals, the first seeing the Italian giants win the Europa Conference League.

Nevertheless, speaking in an interview with Esport3, Deco has indicated that the Barcelona hierarchy will not look for a reunion with either man.

On Guardiola, he said: "Pep is a great coach. There is no discussion about this. He was the coach of the best Barca in history. No doubt. And he has continued to win away. He is the best in the world now.

Former Roma head coach Jose Mourinho on May 31, 2023© Reuters

"We are not talking to any coach. It is normal that the press is asking questions but talking about a technician with a contract is a lack of respect for others and for us. The time will come."

With regards to Mourinho, Deco added: "He is a great friend of mine but I haven't talked with him in a long time.

"We're looking for a manager who can adapt to the club's situation and that can keep developing the young players we have."

Xavi's current task is to try to win this season's Champions League, as well as ensure that Barcelona qualify for next season's equivalent with the club currently third in the La Liga standings.

ID:536326:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4284:

Click here for more stories about Deco

Click here for more stories about Manchester City

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Rafael Marquez in action for Barcelona on February 20, 2010
Read Next:
Laporta confirms Marquez is in contention to replace Xavi
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!