Will Pep Guardiola depart the Nou Camp? Former Barcelona man Steve Archibald reckons not...
Archibald talks Pep's future and Barca's European exit
Steve Archibald believes Pep Guardiola will remain as Barcelona manager as long his players are "hungry for success".
The Catalans' chief's contract runs out at the end of the current campaign and he is yet to pen an extension to remain in north-east Spain.
There is fresh speculation about Guardiola's future following Saturday's La Liga loss to Real Madrid - a result that effectively ended the Nou Camp side's title charge - and yesterday's Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea.
Former Barcelona striker Archibald doesn't expect Guardiola to leave the club this summer but is concerned that a new agreement has not been thrashed out.
"I've spoken to Guardiola a few times and the important thing for him is that his players are hungry for success," Archibald told
Sky Sports News.
"If he ever gets the sensation that they are not and that they are taking things for granted then it will be time for him to leave. There may have been tiredness last night but I don't think they were lacking hunger.
"I think Guardiola will continue, but negotiations have been on-going for some time and there is no resolution yet so it is up in the air."
Dominated
Barcelona were ousted in Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final after drawing 2-2 with 10-man Chelsea, losing the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
The Spanish outfit never strayed from their passing principles as they searched for victory and, despite the defeat, Archibald praised his former side's approach.
The 55-year-old, who played at the Nou Camp between 1984-88, also described Chelsea's triumph as "mind-boggling" but was quick to salute the Londoners' courage.
On Barcelona's 'tiki-taka' philosophy, Archibald said: "Why wouldn't you continue with that style of play when you are the most successful club in the world over recent years and have won lots of trophies?
"I think it is slightly harsh to criticise Barcelona because they dominated possession and if (Lionel) Messi's penalty (goes in) it's a different night.
"They had opportunities but they just couldn't finish, which is unusual for Barcelona as Messi has got more than 60 goals this season, Alexis Sanchez has scored goals and they've got goals coming from all over the team."
Archibald added: "Chelsea parked the bus. They had everybody back after (John Terry's) sending off and had no space between the midfield and the defence.
"Barcelona forced the game as much as they possibly could do and Chelsea were lucky that they didn't concede - but they must take an awful lot of credit for being brave and working hard."
