Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC target Guardiola 'the best ever'

Pep Guardiola, who is wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool, is the greatest coach in Barcelona history, according to midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola is known to be Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's top target to replace Andre Villas-Boas as the Blues' next full-time manager, but the Russian wants to appoint him now, rather than in a year's time.

Reports in recent days have claimed Liverpool are also keen on appointing the 41-year-old, who has won 13 titles in his four years in charge at Camp Nou.

But Guardiola insists he will take a year-long sabbatical when he leaves Barca after Friday's Copa del Rey final showdown with Athletic Bilbao, making a move to the Premier League this summer unlikely.

Spain international Fabregas believes his in-demand compatriot can go out on a high by winning his 14th title while in charge of the Catalans.

"If there is something extra about this final, it is the possibility of winning the title for our coach, the possibility of him winning yet another title and leaving with his head held high," Fabregas told reporters.

"He will do that anyway because he is the best coach this club have ever had, without a doubt. It is not something we have spoken about as a group but we all know we want to dedicate it to him."

Despite his sabbatical plans, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is still keen on making Guardiola his new manager in time for the 2012-13 campaign.

And according to The Times, the Russian is only willing to give current interim manager Roberto Di Matteo a year-long contract at Stamford Bridge in a move which would appear to suggest the Blues will try again for Guardiola in twelve months time should Abramovich be forced to admit defeat this summer.