Barcelona FC

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• Manager:Josep Guardiola

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Laporta: Guardiola has time

16 Jan 2010 - 12:54:51

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that coach Pep Guardiola can take his time before deciding to sign a new long-term contract with the European and Spanish champions.

The 38-year-old former Barca midfielder enjoyed a perfect first year in charge at the Camp Nou, but his current deal runs out at the end of the current campaign.

Laporta told Marca: "Guardiola, who assumed full responsibility for the elimination from the Copa del Rey is a locker room leader, with strong leadership skills.

"He is the key factor. The players, employees, directors, the president, the whole of Barcelona is with him.

"We have stated our determination to get him to renew as he is the best coach this team could have.

"He should take time to decide and reflect so he can end up taking the best decision for Barca, because he always puts the interests of the club ahead of everyone else."