Source: Daily_Mail
Pep admits he won't stay at Barca for long haul as he agrees one-year deal
Silver service: Pep Guardiola holds the European Cup[LNB]Pep Guardiola has agreed to stay as Barcelona boss for another season.[LNB]But doubts remain over his long-term future as the Spanish giants announced he would only commit to a one-year contract extension.[LNB]Guardiola admitted: 'I know that sooner or later I will cease to be coach of Barca and I have to enjoy the time I'm here to the maximum.[LNB]'A coach of Barca can't be here for life just because. I think that you havesign for short periods in which the coach has to earn things, with the players,with the fans.[LNB]'I wanted to see if that was happening, if I had the support of the players and the board. Nowhere am I going to be as comfortable as I am here.'[LNB]With Guardiola's contract due to expire at the end of the season, Barca had been under pressure to reward the man who clinched an unprecedented six trophies in 2008-09.[LNB]The Catalans won the Spanish League, Cup and Super Cup domestically, as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.[LNB]Nou Camp president Joan Laporta said: 'We had a meeting last night and Pep Guardiola told me he was committed to staying for at least one more season.'[LNB] League of their own: Lionel Messi (right) and his Barcelona team-mates have been hard to match this season[LNB] However, the deal will not be signed until the end of the season andGuardiola can refuse it if he does not like Laporta's successor aspresident, who will be elected by June at the latest.[LNB]The 39-year-old's agent this week revealed six top European clubs were showing interest, with reports claiming Manchester United viewed him as a potential long-term successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.[LNB]Reportsin Spain even claimed Guardiola could work in tandem with Ferguson fromApril before taking over from the Old Trafford legend.[LNB]The former Spain midfielder is said to admire the control that managers get over all aspects of the club in England.[LNB] Popular leader: Barca players salute Guardiola after victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final against Manchester United in Rome last May[LNB] [LNB]An option of a further year may also be on the table if all sidesagree at the end of next season and his salary is expected to risesignificantly from the relatively modest £1million a year he receivesat present.[LNB]Laporta added: 'We are here to announce that Pep Guardiola will bethe coach of Barca for another year. The contract will be signed withthe new president, but we have Pep's word that he will be the coach.[LNB]'I think that is very good news for everyone associated with Barcelona because we all wanted Pep to continue.[LNB]'He doesn't like me saying it, but Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and we are proud to continue to have him here.'[LNB] Forget United - wanted Barca boss Pep Guardiola weighing up SIX job offersFergie could be set to mentor Guardiola as Barca boss is linked with Man UnitedWayne Rooney is wooed by Barcelona as Spaniards try to unsettle UnitedCheck out Barcelona in our Stats ZoneMANCHESTER UNITED FC
