Joan Laporta asked Guardiola for his opinion on who to appoint as next coach
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta used to confide in Dutch legend Johan Cruyff and ask him for advice on big decisions. He was the one who challenged him to appoint Pep Guardiola as first-team coach in 2008. Today, he asked the Manchester City manager for advice.
According to Catalunya Radio, Laporta asked Guardiola for his opinion on who to appoint as the next manager, from a variety of options, none of which appear to bring out a clear candidate. German coaches Thomas Tuchel, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann have been cited as Laporta’s preferences so far, while Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is the other name who has been heavily linked with the job.
Liverpool in the game
Guardiola reportedly told Laporta that he should appoint de Zerbi, who he has long admired and praised in the past. This won’t mean much without the approval of de Zerbi himself.
Barcelona are reportedly unwilling, or perhaps unable, to pay Brighton’s release clause for the Italian, which is believed to be between €10 million and €15 million. If de Zerbi wants to join Barcelona he will either have to negotiate a lower fee with Brighton or leave for free, but Liverpool could also be interested in him this summer.
