Is Guardiola returning to Bayern a realistic option?

Bayern Munich have yet to appoint a successor to Niko Kovac and reports are mounting that Pep Guardiola is the man they want back at the helm. Guardiola first took charge of Bayern in the summer of 2013 and although he failed to win the Champions League during his time at the club, he did win the Bundesliga title in all three of his years at the Allianz Arena.
Guardiola also won the DFB Pokal on two occasions during the three-year stint before he moved on so his time in Bavaria was without a doubt a success.
But the question remains could he be lured back to Germany at some point in the very near future?
Certainly not right away but a case could be made for the end of the season, when he may consider his future with Manchester City.
The Spanish tactician is known for not staying at a club for too long. He had four successful years with Barcelona before his three-year stint with Bayern, and is currently into his fourth season with City.
Reports have been growing for some time that this could be Guardiola’s last campaign at the Etihad Stadium and he could be looking for a new challenge after that.
City have dominated domestically under the leadership of Guardiola, but once again the Champions League has so far eluded him and if he could snare it this season, then he could see it as the perfect parting gift.
It would come as no surprise if that were to happen. Even without Champions League glory, Guardiola could decide the end of the campaign would be the right time to move on.
Liverpool look to have a stranglehold on the Premier League this season and it could be time for Guardiola to make way for a new man.
The chance to return to Bayern to try and win that elusive Champions League title could be all the motivation he needs.
If Guardiola was to leave City, one potential issue for Bayern could be the lure to coach in another country. Having worked in Spain, Germany and currently England, the next logical step could be to head to Italy and Serie A.
Guardiola has recently admitted he would be interested in dipping his toe in the water in Italy and the prospect of taking on Juventus or Inter Milan would appear to appeal to him.
It is hard to say what will happen, but Bayern seem to be thinking about it. If Hansi Flick gets the job until the end of the season, it could be a clear sign they are waiting for Guardiola.