Barcelona players relieved at Pep Guardiolo's decision to continue

Pep Guardiola's decision to continue as Barcelona coach beyond the end of the season has come as a relief to the players, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Thursday.                                           

Guardiola sought to end the speculation that had been growing over his future, with his contract due to end in June, by agreeing to a one-year extension on Wednesday.                                           

However, he said he would not sign the deal until he had spoken to outgoing president Joan Laporta's replacement after the forthcoming presidential election.                                           

"All the players wanted him to continue, because he has done an excellent job. We'll all be much more relaxed with this news," Ibrahimovic told reporters.                                           

"I couldn't believe a club like Barcelona could let a coach like Guardiola get away."