Guardiola renews Barca contract for one year: report

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has renewed his contract with the European champions, which expires at the end of the season, for one year, the online edition of daily newspaper El Pais reported Wednesday.

“He and the club have reached an agreement to extend his contract, which was to expire in June, which includes a series of clauses which will allow the incoming president to negotiate terms,” it said.

Barcelona have not confirmed the report but the club has called a press conference for 1:30 pm (1230 GMT) which will be attended by Guardiola, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

Guardiola has remained silent on what he wants to do and Spanish media have speculated that the 39-year-old may be waiting to see who will succeed Laporta as president after elections later this year before making a decision.

Laporta said on Monday the club were resigned to rivals trying to lure away Guardiola, who led Barca to an unprecedented six trophies in 2009.

Guardiola took over from Dutchman Frank Rijkaard in June 2008 after being promoted from his job as coach of Barcelona’s B side.

Under his guidance during the 2008-09 season the Catalan side won the Champions League, Spanish league, the Kings Cup, the Spanish Supercup and the European Supercup.

Last month Barcelona also won the Club World Cup final with a 2-1 win over Argentine side Estudiantes.