SPAIN: Strong speculations have created concerns for former La Liga champions Barcelona, as their manager, Josep Guardiola, has shown positive intent that he would be stepping down from the post of manager .

Reports have also indicated that the Barcelona Football club have also scheduled a press conference on Friday, whereby the manager would formally announce his departure from the club.

He has already told Barcelona that he wants to leave after four years in charge, but senior figures at the club are still hoping that he can be persuaded to change his mind. Lionel Messi, in particular, has urged Guardiola to change his mind on several occasions in recent weeks.

The 41 year old Spanish has represented the club as both player and manager. During his stint as a defensive midfield player, Guardiola scored more than 20 goals and had assisted numerous times. Guardiola, who made 479 appearances for Barcelona between 1990 and 2001, was appointed in 2008 and has led the Catalan club to 13 trophies.

There are rumors that Chelsea manager, Roman Abrahamovic, is expected to make a formal approach for Pep Guardiola to take over as their manager if the Spaniard quits Barcelona on Friday.