Pep Guardiola has emerged as the top target for the FA as they search for a permanent manager for England, with the Manchester City boss now considering an approach from Three Lions chiefs.
Guardiola has emerged as the top target for FA chiefs but is considering renewing his contract at Manchester City after having been offered the post of manager of the Three Lions as the FA are currently searching for a long-term replacement for Gareth Southgate, with interim boss Lee Carsley heading back to the Under-21s.
The Spaniard – who brilliantly led Manchester City to four successive Premier League titles and one Champions League title is unquestionably one of the most influential coaches in football’s history. However his contract at the Etihad Stadium up for renewal at the end of this campaign and the impending situation has drawn the eye of England bosses, who have approached him to take over the Three Lions once he leaves City.
However Guardiola is said to be keeping his options open. The celebrated Spaniard is considering signing a 12-month extension to his City contract, according to The Telegraph. City would like him to sign for longer but would be delighted even if he does commit to just another 12 months.
Guardiola’s last contract extension was signed in November 2022, which took him up to 2025, but if he continues to stay at City it is expected to be for a shorter-term, as Guardiola himself had expressed his desire to take charge of a national team when his tenure with City finally ends.
Alternatively the Spaniard could even opt to take a sabbatical if he leaves City in the summer, similar to what he did when he quit Barcelona in 2012 and moved to New York.
Whatever his plans are, Guardiola will remain at the top of tthe FA’s list until he rules himself out of the running, which is something he is yet to do. When asked about his future on Sunday, Guardiola said on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: “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.”
Guardiola would appear to have the backing of current interim Carsley, who insisted the FA should hire a ‘world-class coach’. Carsley led the Three Lions to a win over Finland on Sunday but hinted he will not take the job permanently.
“I’ve not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position. I’m really enjoying it but I didn’t enjoy the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t take losing well,” he said.
“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”