“He thought about it” – Insider reveals Pep Guardiola dilemma over becoming new England manager | OneFootball

BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague has offered insight into England’s approach to Pep Guardiola over potentially becoming their next head coach.

The Manchester City manager is continuing to weigh up his options for his future within the game, amid his contract at the Etihad Stadium running until the end of the ongoing season having last been extended midway through the 2022/23 campaign.

There remains a clear intention from the side of the Premier League champions to extend their arrangement with Guardiola into a tenth season, however there is also no intention to rush the Catalan into making a call on his future.

Questions put to the manager in recent press conferences have been shutdown by the 53-year-old, who has also been very clear that he retains an intention to manage a national side at some point in his top-level career.

As such, approaches were made by the Football Association over the course of the summer to sound out Guardiola’s intentions within the game, as the FA sought out potential options to succeed Gareth Southgate following the 2024 European Championships in Germany.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live this week, columnist and Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed that City manager Guardiola was offered the chance to become England’s next manager, prior to the FA turning attentions to Thomas Tuchel.

“He [Pep Guardiola] actually was offered the job,” Balague revealed. “He thought about it for two months, and after two months he said, ‘No because I don’t even know what I’m going to do at the end of this season.’”

Balague continued, “Manchester City right now feel he’s closer to staying than leaving but nobody really knows.

“What seems clear is that in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one [2030], he will have a national side; England are favourites.

“If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan.”

Pep Guardiola has been quizzed on Thomas Tuchel taking the role as England’s new manager, and has consistently told reporters that those in England should put their full faith and support into the German coach ahead of him taking the role in 2025.

Many have also speculated which national sides could intrigue Pep Guardiola in future, with the likes of Brazil, the Netherlands, and Italy suggested for several reasons, including personal affection to all three countries.

For now, Manchester City will continue to work on a new agreement with Pep Guardiola, whilst also giving him the necessary time and space to make a decision on his future alongside the input of his wife and immediate family.