Pep Guardiola is contemplating extending his stay at Manchester City for another 12 months, even as he entertains the prospect of becoming the next England manager, according to the Telegraph.
In recent months, Guardiola has been approached by three national teams, including the Football Association (FA), with his current contract at City set to expire at the end of this season.
The FA and other countries have sought clarity on his future plans.
Guardiola has expressed interest in managing a national team one day, and it is understood that financial considerations won’t heavily influence his decision.
The 53-year-old recognises that a national team manager’s salary wouldn’t match the lucrative deals offered by top European clubs, and he is more motivated by the opportunity itself.
While this may spark excitement about the possibility of Guardiola managing England, where financial constraints were once seen as an obstacle, there is a cautious sentiment regarding how serious his interest is at this stage.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has not ruled out the idea of formally speaking with the FA about succeeding Gareth Southgate.
Should he decide to move away from club football, England remains a strong option. Guardiola is fond of the country, its culture, and its squad of players, and has expressed a desire to eventually coach at a World Cup.
However, he remains in no rush to make a decision and won’t be pressured by deadlines.
It is reported that Guardiola could choose his path next week, next month, or even next year.
There is also the possibility that he may leave Manchester City at the end of his contract and take another sabbatical, similar to the one he took after leaving Barcelona in 2012, when he spent time in New York.
Despite these considerations, sources suggest the most likely outcome is that Guardiola will sign a short-term extension at City, potentially for just one more year.
While the club would prefer a longer commitment, they would still be pleased with any extension that keeps him at the helm.
If Guardiola renews his contract, it would mark a full decade with City, as he first joined the club in 2016.
The last extension he signed was in November 2022, which runs until 2025, but a new deal is expected to be of a shorter duration.
The FA, meanwhile, has been sounding out a number of candidates, with technical director John McDermott regularly updating the shortlist for the next permanent England manager.
The FA has made it clear that they are open to considering non-English candidates, and Guardiola is undoubtedly at the top of their wishlist if he shows any interest.
The FA would argue that, given Guardiola’s contract situation and his public desire to manage a national team at some point, it would have been negligent not to approach him.
Guardiola, who perfectly fits the criteria laid out by the FA for the next head coach, has a deep admiration for the England team.
He has worked with and developed several key English players, including Phil Foden, John Stones, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer.
When asked about his future during an appearance on the Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa on Sunday, Pep Guardiola said: “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet.
“And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach.
“If I had decided I would say it… I don’t know either, anything can happen.
Although the FA has not yet received any encouragement, the situation is understood to be developing.
Guardiola’s long-time friend, Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Begiristain, who played a pivotal role in persuading his former Barcelona teammate to join City, will be succeeded by Hugo Viana from Portuguese club Sporting.
Sources indicate that Begiristain’s departure, despite their close relationship, will not impact Guardiola’s own decision.
Foreign managers are reportedly on the FA’s shortlist, including former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who has expressed interest, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou.
Other candidates include Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, who is available after leaving Chelsea in April last year.
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