Pep Guardiola, the successful manager of Manchester City, has expressed his desire to lead a national team at a major tournament before retiring from coaching. Despite having a contract with Manchester City until 2025, Guardiola has not ruled out the possibility of signing an extension. The 53-year-old has been linked to roles with prestigious national teams such as Brazil, England, and the United States. Guardiola stated that he would like to take charge at a prominent tournament, such as the World Cup, European Championship, or Copa America, before concluding his coaching career.
Preference for a National Team
When asked if he had a specific preference for which country he manages, Guardiola responded, “I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.” Despite his uncertainty, Guardiola has already achieved immense success in his coaching career, winning titles in Spain, Germany, and England. His stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have resulted in an impressive tally of 32 major trophies.
Not Setting Targets
Guardiola admitted that he has not set specific goals of winning the World Cup, European Championship, or Copa America. He emphasized that when he started his coaching journey, his focus was not on winning league titles or the Champions League. Instead, Guardiola stated, ” I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa América, or whatever it is. I would like that.”
Overall, Guardiola’s ambition to manage a national team at a major international tournament showcases his desire for new challenges and experiences in his coaching career. Despite his remarkable success at club level, the opportunity to lead a national team on the global stage remains a significant goal for Guardiola. As he continues to seek opportunities for growth and development, it will be interesting to see if his aspirations of coaching a national team come to fruition in the future.