Pep Guardiola makes feelings clear on potential Barcelona return amid doubts over Man City future

Pep Guardiola has made his feelings clear on a potential return to Barcelona as doubts emerge surrounding his future at Manchester City.

Guardiola's contract at City is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and he recently admitted he feels "closer to leaving than staying" after lifting a record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row.

He has been in charge of City since 2016, managing 472 games and winning 15 major trophies in that period.

It's the longest he's been at a club, surpassing his stints at Bayern Munich and boyhood club Barcelona.

Speculation has been rife as to what Guardiola's next move would be after he leaves City.

But he has emphatically ruled out a second stint in charge of Barca, who he won the Champions League with as both a player and manager.

Guardiola was asked at a Legends trophy golf event if the door is closed on him returning to the Blaugrana.

Image: Getty

According to Victor Navarro, he replied: “Yes, door closed”.

The 53-year-old also discussed Xavi Hernandez's recent dismissal and the subsequent appointment of Hansi Flick, who penned a two-year deal.

Guardiola spoke glowingly of the former Bayern and Germany boss but did offer a bit of advice.

"Try to get help from within," he added.

“Whenever you go to a new club you need help, especially at Barça.

“The year and a half he was at Bayern was extraordinary. They won everything, how they played…”

Meanwhile, ESPN say Guardiola is thinking about leaving City following the controversial 32-team FIFA club World Cup tournament set for July 2025.

City have faith that their manager will see out his contract but have reportedly set him a December deadline of deciding his future.

That will give the club more time to plan for life after Guardiola as they search for a replacement.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.