In December last year, Manchester City faced an unusual crisis by their standards, with only one win in nine games. This challenging period raised questions about Pep Guardiola’s future at the club. Despite the speculation, Guardiola made it clear that he was not interested in taking on another club project, citing a lack of energy for such an endeavor. However, he did express a keen interest in managing a national team, aiming to win the European Championship or World Cup. Amidst these discussions, rumors emerged linking Guardiola to the Brazilian national team, who were seeking a new head coach for the 2026 World Cup. However, Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to take on the role.
Pep Guardiola said: “I’m not going to manage another team. I’m not talking about the long-term future, but what I’m not going to do is leave Manchester City, go to another country, and do the same thing as now. I wouldn’t have the energy. The thought of starting somewhere else, all the process of training and so on. No, no, no. Maybe a national team, but that’s different. I want to leave it and go and play golf, but I can’t [if I take a club job]. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.”
Guardiola continued, “I will never consider that Carlo Ancelotti is a bad coach tactically. See where he put [Andrea] Pirlo in Milan, how he uses [Toni] Kroos, and the position of [Jude] Bellingham. In Manchester, we consider him to be a great coach, in everything.”
He added to TNT Sports: “Exceptional person, we have a good relationship. We don’t see each other much. He’s more experienced, a little older! He’s been in many leagues with success.”
Despite the interest from Brazil, Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City in March, committing to the club until 2027. This move effectively ruled him out of contention for the Brazilian national team position following the sacking of their coach, Dorival Junior, in March. The decision to stay at Manchester City highlights Guardiola’s commitment to the club and his desire to continue building on his achievements at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti, who has been linked with the Brazilian national team, is reportedly set to take on the role in June. Ancelotti, who has a distinguished career with 15 Champions League titles, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the Brazilian side. Guardiola has spoken highly of Ancelotti in the past, acknowledging his tactical prowess and success across various leagues.
Tags: #ManchesterCity, #PepGuardiola, #CarloAncelotti, #Brazil, #WorldCup, #EuropeanChampionship, #PremierLeague, #ManagerInsight
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