A report has disclosed the chances of Pep Guardiola becoming the new England manager.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the FA are open to the prospect of appointing an interim manager to wait for Guardiola to take over the job once his contract at Manchester City expires in 2025.
The Manchester City boss is claimed to have earmarked the months between December and February to decide whether he intends to stay or leave the club — a decision that could possibly foil the FA’s potential strategy.
After all, the decision-makers would ideally wish to be in the know about Guardiola’s decision about his future as early as possible; however, the high-profile tactician would have his own priorities as well.
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Chances of Pep Guardiola managing England revealed
The £378,846-a-week man has dominated club football but he is yet to venture into international management; however, he admitted that managing a national team in the future would be an appealing prospect, as quoted by ESPN.
Pep Guardiola is no stranger to taking his time before signing a contract extension, as exemplified by the fact that he extended his deal until 2025 — which was expiring in June 2023 in November 2022.
In May last year, the Catalan told Sky Sports that he is “closer to leaving than staying” at the Etihad Stadium — which goes to show that perhaps international management could be in his sights.
However, a report by The Independent has revealed that the chances of the FA landing Pep Guardiola to replace Gareth Southgate are considered “remote.”
Furthermore, it is believed that the Football Association would also struggle to pay Guardiola’s annual salary of £20 million.
Pep Guardiola always had his mind made up about England job
Considering Pep Guardiola admitted that the reason why he would never manage England is because an Englishman should manage the national team in 2017 — it seems like a change in his outlook is out of the question.
The two-time treble-winner is seemingly sticking to his word instead of being tempted by the prospect of coaching one of the most talented teams in world football and help them end their trophy drought.
A manager of Guardiola’s standing in the game rarely ever makes such huge statements unless they have full belief in their revelation.
It seems like the Manchester City legend did seven years ago and he does not seem to be putting himself forward as the successor to Gareth Southgate’s throne.
