It only takes a word, a smile or a sigh to revive hope among FC Barcelona supporters. Twelve years after leaving the Blaugrana bench, Pep Guardiola continues to embody a recurring fantasy: that of a return of the master of the game to the house. While the future of the Catalan technician at Manchester City seems uncertain, the temptation to imagine a comeback at the Camp Nou resurfaces, fueled by an interview with Gq.
But Guardiola was formal.
“It's over. It's over forever. It was very beautiful, but it's over now ”, He decided, sweeping any hypothesis of a return, whatever it is, in Barcelona. Even a conversion in the high spheres of the club does not interest him. Asked about the possibility of running for the presidency one day, Catalan dropped in a categorical laugh: “Noooon!” I am not made for that. »»
To understand this clear -cut response, you have to remember Guardiola's journey: player trained at the Masia, midfielder icon, then engineering coach between 2008 and 2012. He embodied the position game, revolutionized modern football, conquered Europe. But this glorious past, Guardiola now prefers to look at him at a distance, without excessive nostalgia or will to start again.
Guardiola closes the door, but leaves the imprint
If he had a white season with Manchester City, the 54 -year -old coach draws no bitterness. He recalls that “Even the older ones lose more than they earn” And evokes Jordan, Tiger Woods, or his own statistics: 13 champion titles in 16 campaigns. For him, the main thing is to be there again, with the same intact passion.
FC Barcelona is advancing, with Lamine Yamal in spearhead of a new cycle. And Guardiola looks at the horizon. But each statement as this recalls how its shadow still hovers in Catalonia. Without return, but with respect.
