Cruyff says Guardiola moved to New York to get distance from the sport

The Dutchman recently visited his former protege in the United States, and he believes his trip was productive after discovering the reasons behind the 42-year-old's relocation.

His decision to resign and take a sabbatical on the East Coast was met with scepticism from some quarters, but after visiting him, the former Blaugrana great is adamant that the change of scenery will do him a world of good in the long run.

"Pep lives in the USA now because he had four very intense years as coach of Barcelona," Cruyff told reporters. "He wanted some distance from football. In New York, he can walk around without being recognized so that he can think about his future.

"I am very busy with football at the moment, so it was good to speak with someone like Guardiola. He sees things very clearly and is open with his opinion. He understands the things I am doing [at Ajax and Chivas]."