Barcelona chief addresses Pep Guardiola managerial links and makes 'talk' claim

Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed the possibility of hiring Pep Guardiola as Xavi's replacement this summer.

Xavi confirmed earlier this year that he would depart the Spanish giants at the end of the season after three years in charge. The 44-year-old had hoped for a better outcome with Barca, but failed to win titles with the club in his previous two seasons.

With the search to appoint a new manager underway, Guardiola has been linked with a possible return to the Nou Camp. The Spanish boss coached Barca for four years between 2008 and 2012.

However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to be one of the preferred candidates for the job along with Jurgen Klopp. The latter announced earlier this year he would depart Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years in charge.

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He went on to win every top-level trophy available at Anfield including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following year.

Despite the links, the trio have been ruled out by Deco. "Obviously you can appreciate top managers like Guardiola, Klopp and Arteta but they’re not available," he told Què t’hi Jugues. "There’s no talk at all with them and it’s pointless to mention them. We’re not speaking to any manager."

Reports claim that contact had been made with Arteta over a possible summer move, while Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi had also been touted as an alternative. Ex-Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick was also in the frame with president Joan Laporta said to be an admirer of the currently unemployed