Pep Guardiola delivers as fresh update on his Man City future and comments on whether he was approached by the FA over the England job before they appointed Thomas Tuchel.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has refused to reveal whether he was approached by the Football Association over the England job before they appointed Thomas Tuchel.
The 53-year-old was touted as a potential candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate, who resigned from his post as Three Lions boss in July after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
There had been reports suggesting that the FA sounded out Guardiola to gauge his interest in taking over as England head coach next year, with his Man City contract due to expire in June 2025.
However, Guardiola decided to dodge questions about whether he had been contacted and has congratulated Tuchel – whose appointment was confirmed on Wednesday – for landing such a “big job” in international football.
“Thomas Tuchel is the manager. I congratulate them, the FA and Thomas, for a big job,” Guardiola told reporters at a press conference on Friday. “I wish England – for the fact I am nine years here – the very best for both of them.”
Asked to clarify whether there had been any contact from the FA, Guardiola replied: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager. So forget about it. I’m the manager of Man City, forget about it. The rest is not important.”
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Guardiola will support Tuchel “unconditionally” as England manager
Guardiola was also quizzed on whether the England manager should be English, saying: “There is one thing, every human has zero intervene on where we’re born. We don’t decide that. Mum and Dad decide in certain moments and nine months later we are here. I didn’t decide to be Catalan. That is a reality.
“The federation decide for a foreign manager with a great record. My view is I would support [Tuchel] unconditionally. If he wins he will be praised and if he loses he will be criticised, but it doesn’t matter his nationality.
“I know we are proud of where we are from, but the world is so big. You have to be open minded. I came here to learn from you.
“It’s happening all around the world where people believe they are better than the other one. It happens in Ukraine, in Russia, in Israel and parts of Africa, where people think they are better than the other one. I don’t like that people criticise just because somebody is born in a different place.
“The federation decided [Tuchel is] the right person to lead this transition and follow the incredible job Gareth Southgate has done.”
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Guardiola confirms international interest, yet to decide Man City future
Guardiola has also reiterated his desire to manage at international level in the future and has confirmed that he is yet to make a final decision on his future at Man City.
Asked if he still wants to become an international manager, Guardiola briefly replied: “Yep”.
On his future at Man City, he added: “I’ve said many times, and hopefully all of you don’t ask me anymore, I [still] have to decide. I have not taken a decision. When I take it I will inform you, for sure, 100%. That is why there are no leaks.
“The club have never ever told me [when they want a decision on my future]. Will there become a point? Yeah of course, but I’m pretty sure the club have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it will happen and they have to prepare. It will not be a surprise.
“I want to be really convinced it is the best for the club. I will not delay any action thinking it will be a problem for the club. They understand the problems I will have.
“If the club asks me an opinion [on my successor] I will give them an opinion, but it is not a decision for me. It has to be the club.
“Wolves (on Sunday) is my priority and my players, how they come back from the national team. That is my only concern.”
Recent reports have claimed that Guardiola is leaning towards signing a short-term contract extension at Man City as he likes the idea of completing at least 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, while he is also ‘more likely’ to stay at the club if they are found guilty of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League.