FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo sees an unlikely choice in Jose Mourrinho closer to becoming the club's ... [+]
FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo sees an unlikely choice in Jose Mourinho closer to becoming the club's head coach this summer than Pep Guardiola, as he explained to betfair.
The role's current occupant Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will step down on June 30, though there have been rumors he could stay on in the hotseat after all.
In any case, World Cup winner Rivaldo, who played alongside the Catalan at Camp Nou, doesn't see Guardiola returning to the club anytime soon.
"I think the only realistic chance would be when he wants to move back home and enjoy more family life, which is easier for him in Barcelona, and can coach the team at the same time.
"So today it depends a lot more on him, but I think it's very difficult for next season. He's doing well in England, and I think this return would also depend on the financial state of the club, and if they can bring players in for Guardiola," Rivaldo explained.
With Mourinho once managing Barca's bitter rivals Real Madrid and involved in plenty a verbal slanging match with Guardiola in the early 2010s, it would be hard to see the Portuguese welcomed in Catalonia.
Even so, Rivaldo views Mourinho as closer to the Barca manager's job than Guardiola.
"There are many fans who do not accept players or coaches who played for or managed their rival team. But Jose Mourinho has already been at Barcelona, with Sir Bobby Robson, and he is a great person. Of course, his intensity as a coach, and sometimes being controversial with his own fans could be a concern from the beginning, but he is a winner.
"Considering that he is without a club and the situation at Barcelona, in my opinion, it is easier for him to join the team than Guardiola right now, and I think it would be a great signing for Barcelona, even though some fans don't like the name.
"Without a doubt he would do a great job, he knows the team, the Spanish league, the Champions League and has a lot of experience," Rivaldo predicted.
