Pep Guardiola says he will never return to manage Barcelona: “It’s over forever”

Manchester City boss confirms he’ll never coach Barça again and plans a break from football after 2028

Pep Guardiola has definitively ruled out a return to Barcelona, the club where he rose to legendary status as both a player and coach. When asked about the possibility of managing Barça again, the current Manchester City manager delivered a blunt response: “It’s over. It’s over forever. It was very beautiful, but it’s over.”

Guardiola Ends Barça Speculation Once and For All

The 53-year-old Spaniard, who won 14 titles during his time at the Camp Nou including two Champions League trophies said he has no intention of revisiting his past in Catalonia. Guardiola left Barcelona in 2011 and has since led Bayern Munich and Manchester City, where he continues to rack up domestic and international trophies.

Despite repeated calls from fans and media for a Barcelona return, Guardiola made it clear this week that he is closing that chapter of his career permanently.

Behind the Rift: Guardiola vs. Laporta

Although he did not expand on the reasons behind his decision, sources close to the club suggest ongoing tensions with current Barça president Joan Laporta are a major factor. Their relationship reportedly soured over internal disagreements that date back to Guardiola’s final seasons at the club.

The feud intensified when Guardiola criticized Laporta’s leadership style, which he believed lacked long-term vision. Since then, both have taken subtle jabs at one another in public, and communication between them has been minimal.

Guardiola Confirms Future Break From Football

Guardiola also revealed he plans to step away from football entirely once his contract with Manchester City expires in 2028. “I know that after this time at City, I will stop. That’s for sure, it’s decided more than decided,” he said. The Spanish coach added that the break could last 10 to 15 years, though he did not specify the reasons behind the sabbatical.