What’s Next for Pep Guardiola? Comeback to Barcelona or Something Else

Pep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City is expiring at the end of the season, and even if it didn’t the Spaniard would probably decide to leave Etihad. After today’s news about City’s suspension from the international competitions, Guardiola’s presence in Manchester would be pointless.

City is banned from Europe after breaching the Financial Fair Play rules. Although the club indicated that it would seek justice at a higher instance, it is safe to say that the suspension will be active and confirmed.

UEFA takes note of the decision of the independent Adjudicatory Chamber of the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), issued today, relating to Manchester City Football Club…

— UEFA (@UEFA) February 14, 2020

This is the second time for the English team to violate FFP rules. Previously they got away with a financial fine, which was interpreted as a sign of a warning back then. However, in this case, the European house of football was ruthless.

“The Adjudicatory Chamber has also found that in breach of the regulations the Club failed to cooperate in the investigation of this case by the CFCB,” wrote in UEFA’s statement issued earlier today. “The Adjudicatory Chamber has imposed disciplinary measures on Manchester City Football Club directing that it shall be excluded from participation in UEFA club competitions in the next two seasons (ie. the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons) and pay a fine of € 30 million.”

City will have a chance to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but as we said, it is almost certain that the decision will be upheld.

What does this mean for Guardiola?

Well, there are two possible choices for the Spanish manager. The first one is his comeback to Barcelona, which looks very realistic at the moment. And the second one is going to Italy.

His Blaugrana is in a bad position now, and Guardiola might be the solution to fix all the problems at Camp Nou. Time is running out for Lionel Messi, and one of the best ever doesn’t have too much time left to win at least one more Champions League.

Now, Barca’s management is aware of this, and they want someone who can deliver the results instantly. And Pep is the perfect choice for that. Not only does he know Messi, but is familiar with the entire system inside and outside the club. Barca is still playing according to the guidelines he left once departing.

Also, the club’s executives know that Guardiola’s presence might revive La Masia, the famous youth academy who didn’t produce some notable names since he left Catalonia. This generation of players need replacements, and who is better than Guardiola to make them.

On the other hand, Juventus was near the famous coach before the start of this season. Back then, it was almost a done deal, but for unknown reasons, it didn’t happen in the end. However, the situation is much different now, and Maurizio Sarri might leave the club before the end of the campaign. The Italian coach didn’t adjust to the environment very well, and regardless of the result, many experts claim that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

It is something which opens the door for Guardiola. The Spaniard would have a chance to win the title in all top four leagues in Europe, which would make him one of the best coaches ever. And you have to admit, that is a challenge for everyone.

The summer will be very interesting, and particularly Guardiola’s case. His decision might shift the balance of power on the continent.