Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has cooled down talk of him joining the Blues next season after it emerged that he was one of Abramovich’s major targets to replace Andre Villas-Boas.
Chelsea who got their first win under caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo yesterday, only have a realistic shot at winning the Champions League and FA Cup this season, however, their is hope that they could make the most of the remaining 11 games in the league to seal an epic 4th spot and final qualifying Champions League slot.
At only 41, Guardiola has won everything there is to win at club level. He has won an amazing 16 out 19 titles since taking over as Barcelona head coach in 2008.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side’s return leg Champions League fixture against Bayer Lervekusen, Guardiola sarcastically laughed off reports linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.
“I speak every day with Chelsea.
“Villas-Boas seems like a great coach. The time [managers get] depends on the results, not on our abilities. I’m not capable of judging the reasons for his dismissal.”
Of course, Guardiola to Chelsea is a long shot, however, with the Spanish tactician expected to take a one year sabbatical at the end of the season to avoid burn out, Barcelona could be in the market looking for a short term replacement.
The Catalans prepare to host Bayer Leverkusen at the Nou Camp tonight and despite having a 3 goal away advantage, Pep is not taking anything for granted.
“Recently we have gone into the second legs of the round of 16 after a draw or a defeat,”
“This season we are in a better position than in previous seasons, so I imagine you won’t be asking me many questions about the game tomorrow because people think it’s done against Leverkusen.
“Leverkusen never give up. It looks like they’re dead and suddenly they hit back. So, they have their chances of qualifying, of course they do.”
As defending champions, should Barcelona make it through (which everyone is expecting), they will continue on as hot favourites to win their 5th European title and cement their place as the best team on the continent for a second straight season.
Photo Credit © AlessioGarcai
