Rosell: Pep could be the Fergie of Barca

PEP GUARDIOLA can be Barcelona’s coach for years to come and rival the Manchester United tenure of Alex Ferguson, according to the Catalan club’s president, Sandro Rosell.

Speculation has linked Guardiola with a move away from the Nou Camp, even with Barca topping the table, and he has been suggested as a possible replacement for Ferguson when he eventually retires at Old Trafford.

But Rosell expects Guardiola to stay at the Nou Camp for many years to come.

“I see no reason why not,” he said. “He may want to renew every year.

“Guardiola could be the Barca Ferguson. He can extend his contract as many times as he wants.

“Pep is Barca. He lives for this club. That is what differentiates him from many coaches.”

Ferguson, 68, has been in charge of United for 24 years, and last week surpassed Matt Busby as the club’s longest serving manager.

He has won 11 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four league cups as well as several other trophies.

No talks have yet been held on extending the contract of Guardiola, who signed a one-year deal in the summer after guiding the club to the Primera Division crown, saying he preferred to work with short-term deals.

“It is not necessary at the moment,” Rosell said. “If I had money to bet I would put it on a renewal.”

Meanwhile, Rosell said that he hoped Brazilian right-back Dani Alves would stay at the club, but admitted they would not be held to ransom by his contract demands.

“Common sense is important in this case,” he said. “We must defend the interests of the club. Dani is an extraordinary player and I cannot imagine the club without Alves in the short term. But the club comes before anyone.