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7 hours ago
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Pep Guardiola has been one of the most successful managers in football, and he has managed several talented players throughout his coaching journey.
The Spaniard, during his time at Barcelona, managed some exceptionally talented players from different generations, including Lionel Messi.
However, in the current generation, Lamine Yamal has become the blue-eyed boy for Barcelona after his rise from La Masia a couple of years ago.
The 18-year-old has similarities with Messi as he will also inherit the Argentine's iconic Number 10 jersey for the Blaugrana from the 2025/26 season.
Yamal is already one of the most prominent names for Spain and also for Barcelona, as he has already broken several notable records and given that he also broke through the fabled La Masia academy, he is often compared to Messi.
Recently, in an interaction, Guardiola addressed the comparisons and shared his piece of mind on this matter.
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"I think Lamine Yamal should be allowed to develop his career," Guardiola told GQ. "And when he's been playing for 15 years, we'll decide if he's better or worse.
"Let him develop his career. And the fact that he's being compared to Messi is a big deal. Like if you compare a painter to Van Gogh, they'll say, wow, he's not bad, it's a sign he's good. And that comparison is a sign he's good. But we have to let him develop his career. And we'll see."
What did Guardiola say about his potential return to Barcelona?
Guardiola's era at Barcelona is often considered as one of the best in the club's illustrious history.
The Spaniard guided Barcelona to 14 trophies in his four seasons at the club, which includes the iconic sextuple in 2009 when the Blaugrana won six trophies in a year.
While Barcelona fans are content with Flick at the moment, they would welcome Guardiola for a second stint at Camp Nou once he is done with Manchester City.
However, when asked about his return to Barcelona, Guardiola said, "It’s over. Over forever. It was very beautiful, but it’s over."
He has completely crushed the hopes of making a return to Barcelona in the future, putting an end to all the speculations.
Guardiola is completely focused on rebuilding this City team and taking them back to the top of the Premier League in the 2025/26 season.
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