Pep shares Barcelona hope amid "uncomfortable situation" after Nou Camp arrests

Pep Guardiola has expressed his hope for "the best club in the world" ahead of Barcelona's presidential election amid a week of chaos at the Nou Camp.

Police raided offices at the stadium on Monday as part of an investigation into 'Barcagate' with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and current CEO Oscar Grau among four figures arrested.

Guardiola is one of the most synonymous names in Barcelona history having led the club to unparalleled success as manager following a glittering playing career.

He won the European Cup and Copa del Rey alongside six league titles as a Barca player in the 1990s and added three more La Liga crowns, another two Spanish Cups and a pair of Champions Leagues as boss.

And he has admitted the current turmoil at his former club is "uncomfortable" but is pinning his hopes on a brighter future after the elections are held on March 7.

"It's an uncomfortable situation but I hope it will finish well," Guardiola said. "He [Bartomeu] is already innocent until the court proves he is guilty.

"Only I'm concerned is that in one week we’ll have a new president. It’s a difficult situation at Barcelona but the new man needs to have the courage to lead in the next years.

"As many people as possible can vote and lead the best club in the world. I’m pretty sure they’ll come back stronger.

"The new president has to lead with confidence and get the fans together and that will make them the club they are. I’m looking forward to the election and, hopefully, the president will be okay."

The scandal surrounding Barca has led to further speculation Lionel Messi could leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Guardiola's Manchester City are the bookies' favourites to secure Messi's signature should he depart after their stratospheric success together at the Catalan giants.

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