Will Guardiola Ever Leave Barca?

I know what you will be thinking when you read that headline. Of course he will, he has said he will. And my answer would be: Yes, he has said he will, three times now. Or at least it has been reported three times now.

The first time was after taking over the club. Upon signing a two year deal back in 2008, it was widely reported that he would only stay for those two years. He then went on to win six trophies in his first year, including an unprecedented treble of Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League. At the end of his initial contract, he was persuaded to stay for another year, and has come very close to another treble. With La Liga in the bag, and a Champions League final coming up, they lost the Copa Del Rey final in extra time to Real Madrid. And again, it was reported that he would leave in Summer 2011. Yet again, though, he has agreed to another year at the club, which does beg the question: Is it all just mind games?

Think about it. This is his club, his people. The current squad are in awe of him because of his legendary status as a player and now coach at the club. The new canteras that come up into the first team have so much respect for the man that they will do anything for him. He has, as much as is possible in football, a job for life.

Maybe that is why he just signs one year deals: to keep himself motivated, to not allow his standards to slip, to keep everyone on their toes. Then again, maybe he will leave at the end of 2011-12. He would certainly not be short of suitors. Inter Milan have been linked with him, as have Chelsea, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs. The man himself has always said he wants to coach abroad, so you have to think he will go at some point.

The thing is, how good would he be at a different club? At a club that has no loyalty towards him? If he has a bad start, would they stick with him? Would he even be as good at another club, where the players don't have a connection with him, or would that be a benefit? He is a workaholic, as are the current Barca squad, but how would the players at other clubs respond to his methods?

Maybe I am writing this from a Barcelista's point of view, because I definitely don't want him to leave! I dread the end of every season now, as it could be the one where he says adios.

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