Getafe President Angel Torres has revealed that Barcelona wanted and spoke to Michael Laudrup about becoming Coach, before opting for Pep Guardiola.
In searching for Frank Rijkaard’s replacement as the 2007-08 campaign drew to a close, the Catalans reportedly returned to their former attacking star on the pitch, who was then working on the bench at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
“Laudrup decided not to continue with us, because in the spring of 2008 he had spoken with [then Barcelona sporting director] Txiki Begiristain,” Torres has commented to Danish authors Jonas Nyrup and Niels Pedersen, who have put together a book on the current Swansea City manager’s career.
“When he was here, Barcelona initially wanted that he would replace Rijkaard. The President [Joan Laporta] wanted that.
“Txiki then told me that he was one of the Coaches they were considering ahead of the next season.”
