Pep Guardiola expressed his deep affection for Manchester City and English football following his side’s goalless draw against Inter Milan in their opening Champions League match of the season on Wednesday.
Guardiola witnessed his team struggle to find their usual rhythm and lacked attacking intent during a match that, at times, proved disappointing.
This was a rematch of the 2023 final, which Man City won.
Substitute Ilkay Gundogan had two headed opportunities to secure a late victory, but both teams ultimately had to settle for a point in this revamped league phase opener.
After the match, Guardiola praised his team’s performance and was asked by an Italian journalist whether he could envision himself managing in Italy one day.
Pep Guardiola said “I love Italy but I really enjoy being here.
“I love English football.
“It is fantastic. I really enjoy it.
“They leave you alone to get on with your job.
“That doesn’t happen anywhere else.
“This is a great club. I really feel good here.
“I am pleased to be here.”
Pep Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City expires in the summer of 2025, coinciding with the club’s participation in the revamped Club World Cup.
There has been no clarity regarding the possibility of him signing a new deal, and many observers believe this could be his final season at the club.
Speculation is further fueled by the Premier League’s ongoing investigation into alleged financial breaches involving City.
The six-time Premier League-winning manager has remained tight-lipped about his future plans.
However, after clinching the title last season, he acknowledged, “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying.”
In a February interview with ESPN, Guardiola expressed interest in managing a national team at a major tournament in the future.
“A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that,” he said.
“I don’t know who would want me!
“To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.
“I would love to experience a World Cup, Euro or Copa America, whatever it may be.
“I would relish that.
“I’m not sure when that might take place, could be five, 10, 15 years from now, but I would love to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup.”
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