• Premier League

Maradona tips Guardiola to take Chelsea job

ESPN staff
May 13, 2012
Pep Guardiola's time at Barcelona is coming to an end © Getty Images
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Diego Maradona says he would not be surprised to see Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola taking over the reins at Chelsea.

On Saturday, Guardiola's men were held to a 2-2 draw in his final league game in charge before leaving the Camp Nou in order to take a one-year sabbatical. Meanwhile, Chelsea are yet to offer interim manager Roberto Di Matteo a permanent deal, leading Argentina legend Maradona to suggest Guardiola may be lured to Stamford Bridge.

"Pep Guardiola, a brilliant coach whom I admire, has announced that he will take a sabbatical in front of an emotional home Barcelona crowd. But don't be surprised if he quickly resurfaces at Chelsea, should Abramovich make him a huge offer," Maradona wrote in the Times of India.

Maradona also took time to praise the contribution of compatriot Carlos Tevez ahead of the final day in the Premier League season. City, who also boast Maradona's son-in-law Sergio Aguero, must defeat QPR in order to hold off rivals United to claim their first league title in 44 years.

"Roberto Mancini will join those rare coaches who have been able to win titles both in Italy and in England," said Maradona. "It didn't seem possible just a short time ago, as the Blues trailed the Red Devils by eight points.

"However, bringing back my friend, striker Carlos Tevez, has revitalised the City team. It took humility for these two great characters to mend their differences.

"Yaya Toure has been the real leader of this team and also deserves to win his first English championship."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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