Pep Guardiola: Does Anyone Actually Have a Chance of Landing Ex-Barca Manager?

Don't expect to see Pep Guardiola during the 2012-13 club season.

Unless, that is, the former FC Barcelona manager takes in a match purely as a spectator.

Guardliola left Barcelona following the 2011-12 season, citing his need to "recharge" after a four-year run with the Blaugrana.

It was a glorious run, of course, with Barcelona claiming three straight league titles from 2009-11 and two Champions League crowns (2009 and 2011). Under Guardioloa, Barca also won the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup twice each.

What's more, Guardiola revolutionized Barcelona's playing style, imprinting the pass-happy tiki-taka style on the club's very identity. And under his guidance, Lionel Messi blossomed even further into the world's best player.

Immediately after his departure, the rumors began.

The English press linked Guardiola with all of the top jobs in the Premier League. Chelsea, especially, were thought to be pursuing Guardiola aggressively.

Granted, Guardiola did drop cryptic hints about returning to club football quickly, but it was never likely that he'd take a new job so soon with that deluxe Rolls Royce still purring in Catalonia.

Chelsea have reportedly settled for Roberto Di Matteo, the man who led them to FA Cup and Champions League titles as interim manager. Before they could, though, Guardiola reportedly had to turn down Roman Abramovich's millions.

If that wasn't enough to lure Guardiola right back into club management, no amount of money will.

Instead, it's more likely that Guardiola is waiting for an ideal situation while he takes a deserved break. If that ideal situation comes along, whenever that might be, we'll probably see Guardiola along the touchline again.

Until then, though, don't bet on it.

Follow @MikeCummings37