HIGHLIGHT
There have been ‘secret talks’ ongoing between Lionel Messi and his former boss at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola investigations have revealed.
The SUN in an exclusive report claim that Messi is pushing for Guardiola to return to Nou Camp to handle Barcelona for a second stint as there are dark clouds over the future of Luis Enrique at the Catalan club.
The tabloid stated that Messi has personally called Guardiola and asked him to consider a return to the Nou Camp.
The Argentine insists Enrique has created a rift so huge within the Barcelona camp that only the current City boss can repair.
It is obvious that a managerial change in the summer is looming as Barcelona are in freefall with both the league and Champions League seemingly out of reach.
Ernesto Valverde, who has done an impressive job with Athletic Bilbao — and spent two years as a player at the Nou Camp — is the board’s first choice.
While, 1992 European Cup-winning hero, Ronald Koeman, is also on the wish list.
However, Messi has told the club’s hierarchy he wants Guardiola, as they negotiate a new deal and it is understood that the opinion of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner counts a lot in matters like this.
It is yet to be seen if Guardiola can be priced away from Manchester City where he is just inside the first year of his contract.
