Pep Guardiola has confessed to the allure of managing in South America due to the region's infectious passion for football, particularly after watching Brazilian fans' exuberance during the Club World Cup.
He praised the electrifying atmosphere created by supporters of Brazilian teams Botafogo and Flamengo, especially after their stunning victories over Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea. Looking ahead to City's match against Al Ain in their next Club World Cup fixture, Guardiola, who boasts an impressive record in the competition, is eager to clinch the title under its expanded 32 team format.
Guardiola openly expressed his envy for the fervour demonstrated by South American clubs, hinting at a possible future stint in that part of the world.
Quizzed on whether he sees himself on the sidelines in South America, Guardiola remarked: "Why not? Many many good things in all history that happen in football, many, many good things come from South America.
Guardiola lavished praise on the continent that has produced some of the world's best footballers, noting that the draw of European football appeals to many for its economic and prestigious opportunities.
The Manchester City boss relished the competitive spirit witnessed during international tournaments when facing South American teams, saying: "I love, I love, you know, when you're in this tournament and you play South American teams, you play with Europe, another continent, how they challenge, how they compete, how you see.
"I love when I see Botafogo, all the Brazilian teams, Argentinian teams, how they celebrate, how they are together. I like them, I love them, I like them.
"I'm pretty sure for the South American teams, for the Brazilian teams, for Argentina teams, this competition is maybe the maximum.
"I admire how they defend, Boca Juniors, how every single goal is like, wow, the end of the world. You know, it's different styles, different ways. It's really, really good.
"Except one or two, all the games are tight, and people say: 'Ah, surprise, the European team lose.' Oh, yeah, welcome to the real world, right? Welcome to the world my friends.
"You look like you are just moving your belly, and you are not watching what happens, because they are good, and I like, you know. And Brazil, since the World Cup, look at the last three, four or five years, Argentina, you know, controlling.
"So we shouldn't pay attention to how good they are, right? We are there to play against them, to prove how we are as a team, to try to extend as long as possible this competition here, and prepare for next year."