Soccer:Departing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has hinted he could be seduced into making an earlier than expected return from his sabbatical. He will end his trophy-laden four-year spell at Barca after tonight's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.
The 41-year-old announced his intention to take a break from the game following the Catalan club’s Champions league semi-final defeat to Chelsea last month. But several clubs have since voiced an interest in acquiring Guardiola’s services, including newly-crowned European champions Chelsea.
And Guardiola has hinted he could be lured back by the right club. “I will be pleased to receive their calls of course. But for the next months I have to charge my batteries and charge my mind. I will wait. I am going to rest and I will wait. I will be ready once a club wants me, if they seduce me I will train again.”
Guardiola has won 13 trophies since taking over at the Nou Camp, including three league titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey. He can add to that at the Vicente Calderon against Athletic, the same opposition and tournament he won his first title against in 2009, and sign off in style. “I’ve got the feeling we are very well prepared for this final,” Guardiola said. “A final is always there to be won.”
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