Pep Guardiola says he is open to managing in South America in the future.
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Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move away from City
Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move away from City
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his openness to the idea of managing a team in South America.
During the Club World Cup, Guardiola is savouring the rich, international vibe and admits the football culture in countries like Brazil and Argentina hold huge appeal.
Despite not planning an imminent departure from the Etihad Stadium, having two years left on his contract, Guardiola entertained the thought when questioned prior to City's contest against Al-Ain in Atlanta.
"Why not? Many, many good things in all history that happen in football – many, many good things – come from South America," Guardiola said.
"You know, from Brazil – especially Brazil – Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay. I would say all the countries, many, many good things.
"The greatest players come from there, and after most of them come to Europe because of the opportunities economically and prestige.
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"They're incredible. I love, love, love it when you're in this tournament and you play South American teams. This culture, the way their fans live every single action is what it is all about. We have to live this competition."
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Guardiola again insisted City are taking the Club World Cup very seriously.
City kicked off their performance at the globally scaled-up event in the US with an assured 2-0 victory over Moroccan outfit Wydad AC on Wednesday.
They are now aiming clinch a spot in the last 16 by beating Abu Dhabi’s Al-Ain at the Mercedes-Benz stadium in the early hours of Monday morning.
The event has garnered a mixed response, with some questioning its potential effects on the start of the 2025-26 season; nevertheless, Pep Guardiola remains unwavering in his approach.
"Once we are here, I want to be doing the best. I want to enjoy that moment here," Guardiola added.
"We can say it's annoying coming here but the other side is like, well, it's one time every four years that we are here and I want to be back. You have to win big prizes to be here.
"I want to arrive in the last stages – I want to go there. That's the truth, I've said it many times. It is an honour to be here."
Amid talk of reducing his team for the forthcoming Premier League season, there's been talk about Ilkay Gundogan potentially moving to Galatasaray.
Following a spell at Barcelona, the 34-year-old made his return to City last summer and while Guardiola said the former Germany international remains part of his plans, he did not rule out a summer exit.
"No news, good news. I don't know anything, I didn't speak with him. If he will not be part (of the squad), he would not be here," Guardiola said.
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"At the same time, we have – right now – too many players. Step by step maybe a few players are going to move.
"But, right now, Ilkay is absolutely part of my mind and the team."
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