Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after ten years this summer
Pep Guardiola is set to leave Man City.
Pep Guardiola is set to leave Man City.(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Outgoing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has previously stated that he would be interested in managing a national team. After feverish speculation surrounding his future, Friday saw the 55-year-old announce that he will leave Citizens after ten years in charge.
As one of the greatest managers of all time, speculation over the Catalans' next position is par for the course. In 2024, as Guardiola entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, rumours emerged that he was considering a job with a national side.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil in February of 2024, Guardiola conceded his ambition to coach a country at a major international tournament.
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He said: "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."
Ultimately, he signed a two-year contract extension with City in November 2024 to keep those rumours at bay. With the Spaniard now on the market, he could finally realise his dream.
While this summer's World Cup has come too soon, if a position were to become available, you would think most national associations would jump at the chance to hire a manager with such a pedigree. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola has expressed interest in taking over Italy.
The four-time world champions are in dire need of world-class guidance after missing out on a third successive World Cup. Guardiola was also linked with the Brazil job while on sabbatical in 2012.
However, a long wait would be in store for the former Barcelona boss with ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti under contract with the five-time world champions until 2030.
Guardiola and Spain may perhaps feel like a natural fit. But Luis de la Fuente, who has been in the hot seat since 2022, led La Roja to European Championship glory in 2024 and will fancy his chances at the World Cup this summer.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is departing Manchester City after 10 years in charge
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As for England, Guardiola was linked with the job before signing a contract extension with City in 2024 and before Thomas Tuchel was appointed to succeed Gareth Southgate.
However, the upcoming World Cup would have to be a catastrophe for Tuchel, who is contracted to 2028, for the FA to reconsider the German's position with the Three Lions.
Guardiola leaves City as the most successful manager in the club’s history, lifting 20 major trophies since joining in July 2016. The 55-year-old won six Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2023, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.
The ex-Bayern Munich boss will continue his relationship with the Blues, however, by taking up a role as Global Ambassador for City Football Group.
In a statement upon announcing his departure, he said: “Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. “Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”