Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Guardiola backed for Barca stay

18 Jan 2010 - 13:25:41

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains confident that head coach Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract at the Camp Nou, despite reported interest from Manchester United.

The 39-year-old enjoyed a dream first season in charge of Barca, winning six trophies including the Champions League and the Spanish League title, but his contract runs out at the end of the current campaign.

However, Laporta is still of the opinion that Guardiola will agree a new deal to remain at the helm of the Catalan giants.

He said: "We cannot avoid the speculation as he is the best coach in the world and many clubs will be interested.

"We know that and Manchester United are just one club who I am sure are watching his future. But he has a long way to go with Barcelona.

"Because of his characteristics we expect him to continue to write the pages of history of this football club.

"We would like to solve this question mark over his future as soon as possible and we are convinced that he will sign, but we must respect his decision to wait.

"We are convinced that he will sign a new contract and that he will sign soon, but we cannot force him into a decision. We must be patient and wait."