“I am really satisfied here” : Pep Guardiola denies all England head coach rumors
There are many extraordinary managers out there in the world of football – from the ‘special one’ to the ‘normal one’, but Pep Guardiola is one of one. Widely proclaimed as the greatest manager of all time, Guardiola certainly has the resume to back up that claim. The Spaniard’s managerial career has come a long way, with many changes over the course. One thing which has not changed though, is him being linked with other clubs and national teams, even while being in contract at his current clubs.
Gareth Southgate decided to step down as England head coach after eight years, when England lost to Spain in the final of this year’s Euros. With what many considered a polarizing tenure, the former English coach was ultimately unable to win any trophies. The Football Association (FA) has since then been looking for a replacement, but till now are left with more questions than answers.
Naturally, the Spainard’s name was one of the first to be linked to this vacant job. This is not the first time he has been linked to a national team position, as the rumours of coaching Spain and Brazil before the 2022 FIFA World Cup were in full motion as well. But the recent links have all been in vain, as Guardiola publicly stated his commitment towards Manchester City during the US pre-season tour, and is fully focused on the upcoming season and excited for the players to come back on the pitch.
“I am here, I am really pleased. I cannot say anything. I don’t know where it has come from. I am really satisfied here. I am desperate for when the players are ready to come back to start to train all together and refresh what we have to do,” were the comments of the Man City boss (via The Independent).
“I’m more closer to leaving than staying” : Guardiola addresses his future
To the sadness of Manchester City fans, Pep Guardiola recently spoke about his future regarding his time at the club and revealed his tenure is about to end, although a bit diplomatically. His contract expires next year, as the FA will be keenly looking into this matter. It is also reported that an interim option can be on the cards as well, in hope that Guardiola accepts the job next summer.
“When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that. I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving!” said the Catalan manager (via Eurosport).
Apart from Pep Guardiola, the FA has also considered former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino. Leading the race is Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, but he has denied any official contact from the FA till now. Meanwhile, England U-21 coach Lee Carsley has also been considered and Jurgen Klopp has completely ruled himself out of contention.
From building the greatest dynasty the beautiful game has ever seen at Barcelona, continuing his dominance in Germany, to now becoming the ‘SAF’ of Manchester City and winning the Premier League a record four times in a row, there really is nothing left for Pep Guardiola to achieve at club level. Football has shown us to be quite unpredictable, and the genius of Pep Guardiola can be carried onto the national scene sooner rather than later.
