Guardiola wants freedom with Barca

Posted Saturday, October 08, 2011 by ESPN

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down on a long-term contract because he needs to feel free to decide his future.

The 40-year-old was promoted from Barcelona's B team in June 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the senior side.

Since then Guardiola has extended his contract with the reigning Spanish and European champions on a year-by-year basis, with his current deal due to expire next June.

The coach told Catalan sports daily Sport: "Listen, every day I think that tomorrow I am leaving.

"When you manage something, you have to always think that tomorrow you could go.

"I work better if I think I have the freedom to decide my future. Being tied to a contract for a long time makes me anxious and that can make you lose your passion."

After going two years without any silverware, Barcelona have won three Primera Liga titles and two Champions League trophies since Guardiola took charge.

Asked about his plans for the future, the Spaniard said: "I have no idea. If they still want me and I feel like it, I will stay. If they don't want me, they fire me, I will do whatever comes up."

He added: "In my profession you have to make decisions depending on what is happening. There will be a day when I no longer feel like being with my players, just as they will not feel like being with me, and at that moment I will have to go find others to make those plans for the future."