Barnes believes Guardiola is a befitting candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp, should the German manager decide to leave his post.
Many have opined that Steven Gerrard, who is currently plying his trade in Scotland with Rangers, should be the next manager to replace Klopp.
Having guided Rangers to their first league title since the 2010-2011 season, the former England midfielder has now been recommended by many pundits to be in line with the Liverpool job once the former Dortmund head coach leaves Anfield.
But Barnes believes Guardiola would be the better option compared to Gerrard as he thinks the latter does not have much experience under his belt.
“Pep Guardiola,” Barnes told BettingOdds.com of his ideal candidate to replace Klopp at Anfield.
“Of course there are other managers that you would think are better suited, such as Steven Gerrard who has had a very good season at Rangers, but is he going to come to Liverpool off the back of one good year? Of course he would be given time because of his relationship with Liverpool.
“If you were to ask me now, if Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool tomorrow would I think Steven was the man for the job? Probably not because you would want a manager with more experience and is proven at the highest level. He would be given time because he’s Steven Gerrard, but would that be the right thing for Liverpool? Maybe not.
“I’m sure Steven will do really well over the course of his career, but he’s going to have to show a longer level of consistency over a longer period of time before we start linking him with the Liverpool job.”
