The FA targets Guardiola as a potential successor for Gareth Southgate, but the Spaniard may extend his stay at City.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering renewing his contract with Manchester City after being approached to take over as the head coach of the England national team. The Football Association (FA) is actively searching for a long-term replacement for Gareth Southgate, with interim boss Lee Carsley set to return to his role with the Under-21 team. Guardiola has emerged as the FA’s top target for the role.
Guardiola, who has guided Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles, is regarded as one of football’s most influential managers.
His current contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of this season, sparking interest from England’s football chiefs.
According to reports from The Daily Telegraph, the 52-year-old is contemplating signing a one-year extension with Manchester City, despite interest from the FA. While City officials are keen for him to commit to a longer-term deal, they would be satisfied with a further 12-month extension.
Guardiola’s last contract renewal in November 2022 extended his stay at City until 2025. However, if he does remain at the club, it is expected to be for a shorter duration. The Spaniard has also expressed interest in managing a national team at some point in his career, making the FA’s approach plausible.
Despite the potential for a national team role, Guardiola has made it clear he hasn’t made any decisions about his future yet. Speaking on the Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa, 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.”
While managing a national team typically comes with a lower salary than coaching a club, Guardiola has indicated he would accept such terms. Additionally, he has not ruled out the possibility of taking a sabbatical, as he did in 2012 after leaving Barcelona, before returning to management.
Interim England manager Lee Carsley, who recently led the team to a win over Finland, has backed the FA’s pursuit of a “world-class coach.” While Carsley is happy with his temporary role, he has hinted he does not expect to take the job permanently. “This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies, and I am still on the path to that,” Carsley said.
For now, the FA continues to monitor Guardiola’s decision as they search for the ideal candidate to lead the Three Lions.
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