London calling? Chelsea on alert as departing Barcelona boss Guardiola gets cold feet over his sabbatical
PUBLISHED: 07:32 GMT, 25 May 2012 | UPDATED: 08:07 GMT, 25 May 2012
Chelsea were given fresh hope of Pep Guardiola taking over as manager, as the outgoing Barcelona boss confirmed he is open to approaches this summer.
It was expected he would stay out of the game for at least a year to rest, but Guardiola has now revealed he would return sooner than anticipated for the right offer.
Heading to the exit: Guardiola is leaving Barcelona
'For the next month I have to charge my batteries,' he said. 'I will rest and I will wait. I will be ready, if one club wants me, if they seduce me, I will train again.'
Guardiola was speaking before the final match of his Barcelona reign, the King's Cup final against Athletic Bilbao in Madrid.
The former Barcelona player has been nothing short of a sensation during his time in charge at the Nou Camp, winning a hat-trick of La Liga titles, and claiming European Cup success in 2009 and 2011.
He cited the pressure of leading one of the game's great clubs when he recently announced that he would be taking a break.
Going out on a high? Guardiola during a press conference on Thursday ahead of the Spanish Cup final
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move, despite the remarkable success of their caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo.
The Italian took temporary charge in February, and somehow led the ailing Blues to success in both the FA Cup and European Cup.
He is known to be a popular figure among the players, and his stock is high with Chelsea supporters after the club's heroic victory over Bayern Munich in Germany to win the game's biggest prize.
Who will get the job? Roberto Di Matteo and Pep Guardiola
Former England boss Fabio Capello and Rafa Benitez have also been talked about as possible new full-time managers at Stamford Bridge.
Former boss Jose Mourinho ruled out any possibility of a return when he signed a new deal at Real Madrid last week.
Getting ready: Athletic Bilbao players attend a training session in Madrid ahead of the King's Cup final
Another English football giant, Liverpool, will also be keeping tabs on the situation.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez would appear to be the current favourite. He flew to Miami to meet with John W Henry.
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