Rijkaard could be shown the door if Schalke defeat Barca in their Champions League quarterfinal first-leg clash and reports suggested B coach Guardiola would be asked to fill in as caretaker to the end of the season.

However, AS says a clause in Guardiola's contract allows the former club captain to refuse the position of first team coach. The option was written into the deal as Guardiola does not want to be rushed into the senior job before doing his apprenticeship with Barcelona B.