Rested Guardiola ready for new job

Pep Guardiola has announced he wants to return to coaching — but the former Barcelona boss is keeping his future plans close to his chest.

Guardiola, 41, who took a sabbatical from football after four years at Barca, has been suggested as the man most likely to succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United or as the next permanent manager at Chelsea.

Guardiola’s confirmation that he is now looking to return to the game will spark renewed competition for the services of the man who steered Barcelona to 14 trophies in four seasons.

Guardiola told a news conference at the Fifa Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich yesterday: “Yes, I would like to come back to coaching. I have been out of coaching for a year and it’s what I would like but there is no reason to give any more specific details.

“I don’t have a team to go to but I would like to go back to coaching. I have taken a decision to return to coaching but beyond that no decision has been taken.”