Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla has revealed Jose Mourinho approached them last season about the coaching job.
Mourinho, now in charge of Inter Milan, set out his plans for Barca to directors as they considered replacing Frank Rijkaard.
"We always had Pep (Guardiola) in mind, but we know that the club's bench is one of the most desirable and Mourinho was keen to explain his project for the club and for us to listen to him," admitted Ingla.