Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Pep Guardiola refused to say whether he was approached over the England job before the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel, as he wished the German “the very best” in charge of the national team.
The Independent reported that Guardiola was seen as the top choice for the England job following Gareth Southgate’s resignation and the FA were prepared to wait for the Manchester City boss ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, talks between the FA and Tuchel accelerated earlier this month after initial contact was made in August and the German will take charge in January with interim Lee Carsley overseeing next month’s camp.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham revealed at Tuchel’s unveiling that “approximately 10 candidates” were interviewed, including some from England, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed he was not contacted.
Guardiola, though, would not distract from Manchester City’s trip to Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday and did not say whether there had been contact from the FA, or confirm if he was in talks over extending his stay at the club.
Guardiola’s contract at City expires at the end of the season.
“Thomas Tuchel is the manager. I congratulate them, the FA and Thomas, for a big job,” Guardiola said. “I wish England – for the fact I am nine years here – the very best for both of them.”
When asked to clarify if there had been any contact from the FA, Guardiola replied: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager. So forget about it.
“I am the manager of Man City. The conversations I have is with Man City. This is what it is.
“Tuchel is the manager already. Thomas is there. This is the most important thing. The rest is not important.”
More follows