The Hard Tackle brings you a roundup of key stories regarding La Liga champions FC Barcelona.
As Barcelona prepare to return from the winter break, here’s a roundup of everything happening in and around Camp Nou.
Capello: Guardiola A Future Barcelona President
Fabio Capello has said that Pep Guardiola is a future President of Barcelona, after he leaves current club Manchester City, after the Spaniard admitted that he could be nearing the end of his glittering managerial career.
As reported by Football Italia, Capello said, “Guardiola’s football is fundamentally always the same and if the opponents figure out counter-measures, he has to find an alternative. In any case, I think if he made these statements, it is also because in my view he has the idea of becoming President of Barcelona.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shocked fans all over the world as he said in the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 win over Burnley that he could soon call it a day, saying he will “not be on the bench until I am 60 or 65 years old”, before adding that the process of his goodbye has already begun.
Is Ronald Koeman The Next Barcelona Manager?
Meanwhile, Barcelona have reportedly been in contact with former hero and Everton manager Ronald Koeman to be the next manager at Camp Nou as doubts remain over Luis Enrique’s future with the Blaugrana.
The Sun (h/t SportItalia) have reported that the hierarchy have already made contact with Koeman, as Enrique continues to remain coy over extending his stay at the club beyond the end of this season.
Barcelona have not had an enjoyable season in La Liga this season, as they trail fierce rivals and undefeated Real Madrid by three points in the league table, with Los Blancos having a game in hand.
Barcelona legend Koeman, who enjoyed several successful years with the Blaugrana before eventually entering management, has made a name for himself with impressive spells as manager of Feyenoord and Southampton. He’s currently managing Everton, with the Toffees 7th in the Premier League table.
Julian Weigl’s Agent Denies Contact With Barcelona and Real Madrid
Meanwhile, Julian Weigl’s agent Michael Decker has vehemently denied reports that his client has been offered to Barcelona and Real Madrid, insisting that the German international’s immediate future definitely lies at Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to Goal, Decker said, “The claim we were offering him to other clubs is simply wrong. We consciously decided to renew his contract at Borussia Dortmund until 2021 even though there was a known interest from top clubs. For a player with Julian Weigl’s quality there is no need to offer him to anybody.”
Weigl has been linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, with clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and English giants Manchester City hot on the trails of the industrious 21-year-old midfielder.
The young German Weigl joined Borussia Dortmund from 1860 Munich in 2015, and has since impressed immensely under Thomas Tuchel to become a key figure for the club. And despite his tender years, he has already managed to represent the club over 60 times.
