Ahead of his run in FC Barcelona's presidential election next year, former club chief Joan Laporta, who appointed Pep Guardiola as manager in 2008, has insisted he will try to get the Spanish tactician back at the Catalan club.
Laporta previously served as the Blaugrana's chief between 2003 to 2010, and was responsible for choosing Guardiola over Jose Mourinho following Frank Rijkaard's exit from the dugout 12 years ago.
The 57-year-old plans to run for the presidency of the LaLiga leaders again next year, and has outlined his plans to try to get Guardiola back as the team's head coach.
"I'm excited to continue working for the future of Barca. Barca's problem is economical and image. The image of the club will have to be changed.
"I would very much like Guardiola to come back, but now he is at (Manchester) City and it is a decision that Pep should take.
"He is a benchmark for Barcelona and many Catalans would like him to train Barca again. At the right time, I will speak to the person we think should be a Barca coach from 2021."
Laporta also discussed the possibility of Xavi Hernandez returning as first-team manager.
"Xavi is already a coach, he lives football and it is he who must decide what his moment is," he added.
"In 2021, there will still be players who were Xavi's teammates, and he must think if he is prepared to lead former teammates, which is not an easy thing."
Guardiola spent four years in charge at Barcelona, winning an incredible 14 pieces of silverware in the process, including three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
