Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City remains uncertain. The Catalan coach will soon have to make a decision regarding his next step in football.His contract with the English team ends in 2025 and, although there are many who believe that his time as a 'cityzen' must come to an end, it will be the Spaniard who has the last word.
In England, many fans want Pep to be the replacement for Gareth Southgate, who left his post after losing the Euro final against Spain. Although there are no talks about this possible adventure, the coach has never denied such a possibility and it is known that he would like to take on the challenge of managing a European team.
A new challenge for Pep?
Let us remember that in March of this year, the 'Daily Mail' stated that the man from Santpedor would leave City in the summer of next year and that he would not extend his relationship with the club he joined in the 2016/17 season. His time with the team has been extremely successful and he has won every possible title: 6 Premier League, 1 Champions League, 2 FA Cup, 4 Carabao Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 Community Shield and 1 Club World Cup.
After so much time sitting on the same bench, one might think that Pep is tired or simply needs motivation to face a new path. He made this clear on Saturday, August 17, in a press conference prior to the debut against Chelsea in the 2024/25 Premier League: "The motivation to win another Premier League title is not there. For me, it is not there... It will be in the last month."
Although he is quite ironic in many of his statements, no possibility should be ruled out at this time. According to information from 'Sky Sports', Manchester City directors have asked Pep to let them know of his decision before Christmas. The club wants to protect itself in case the Catalan decides not to continue in Manchester. The English press has already given names of who could be his possible replacements: Michel, Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso or even the new Marseille coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
Guardiola's statements that generate concern
The English are clinging to some statements that Guardiola made last season after winning his fourth consecutive Premier League: "The reality is that I am closer to leaving than staying. I have already spoken to the club and told them that for now I want to stay. I will be here next season, then we will talk, but I have been here for eight or nine years... We will see," he commented. In any case, if Pep decides to extend his contract, the English club knows that it will not be for too long and they are aware that the 'Guardiola era' could be coming to an end.
Southgate's resignation from England opens an interesting door for the former Barcelona coach. He could take a team that has not won titles for decades and make it one of the best in the world. Asked about the possibility of succeeding the English coach, he said: "I have to decide what I want to do with my life. If I want to stay here, take a break, coach the national teams or not, there are many things." Will Pep accept the responsibility of leading the 'Three Lions' to their second World Cup in their history? By December we could have the answer.