Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has played down talk of him moving across the Atlantic to become the head coach of the Brazil national team once his Manchester City contract runs out. Meanwhile, suggestions have emerged that he could extend his stay in England.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss responded by claiming that he is under contract at the Etihad and happy when quizzed about those links ahead of Sunday night’s Premier League title decider against Liverpool.
”I’m under contract here, I’m so happy here. I’m willing to stay forever, when I want to stay forever here. There cannot be a better place to be,”
he said, as per The Times.
This isn’t the first time Guardiola has been linked with a move to international management – especially to the Brazilian national team. Rumours from earlier this year spoke of the same, but he, again, was quick to deny any plans to move away from Manchester.
“Brazil has very good Brazilian coaches who have to coach the national team… There are very good Brazilian coaches. Debate closed!”
he had said.
Nevertheless, a report from Marca claims that the Brazilian football federation wants Guardiola as their next head coach after the 2022 FIFA World Cup and that they are willing to offer him a yearly salary of 12 million euros to do the same until 2026.
On the contrary, Pep’s recent comments were interpreted by some news publications as a hint toward him extending his contract at City – or, at least, being willing to do so.
His current contract expires in June 2023, which means, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will have completed at least seven years at the helm when his deal ultimately runs out. In comparison, the tactician spent seven years at his previous two clubs – Barcelona (2008-2012) and Bayern (2013-2016) – combined.
Regardless of whether he decides to extend his contract or not, Guardiola will leave Manchester City as their most successful manager in the Premier League era – and one of the most successful in the league, in general. He has already won the league title with City thrice, the FA Cup once, and the EFL Cup four times.
