As Pep Guardiola approaches the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, speculation swirls regarding his next career move. With a track record of dominating leagues in England, Spain, and Germany, the six-time Premier League champion now contemplates a shift to international management. His current contract, expiring in 2025, strategically positions him for the 2026 World Cup, affording him ample time to prepare a national team for the tournament spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to The Mirror, one plausible destination for Guardiola could be the England national team, especially with Gareth Southgate’s potential departure prompting the Football Association to consider him as a leading candidate. This scenario might see England appointing an interim manager until mid-2025 before Guardiola assumes the role after fulfilling his obligations with the Premier League champions.
In a February interview with ESPN Brasil, Guardiola openly expressed his desire to manage a national team in a major international tournament, stating, “A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that. I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.”
Despite his ties to Spain, Guardiola’s prospects of coaching the Spanish national team seem unlikely, given Luis de la Fuente’s successful stewardship, culminating in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. Similarly, other prominent football nations such as France, Germany, and Portugal have their managerial positions secured until 2026 with Didier Deschamps, Julian Nagelsmann, and Roberto Martinez respectively.
As Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City draws to a close, the football world buzzes with potential opportunities. England emerges as a promising option, offering a blend of football heritage and the platform to realize his World Cup aspirations.
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