The Football Association (FA) might be willing to wait for Pep Guardiola to become available before appointing him as the new England manager, potentially opting for an interim manager in the meantime, according to a recent report.
Gareth Southgate recently announced his resignation as England’s head coach, just two days after the team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal decided the intense match, leaving the Three Lions with runner-up medals as they returned from Germany.
There is a lengthy list of potential replacements for Southgate, including Lee Carsley, the current Under-21 boss, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola is also on England’s radar, and the FA is considering a strategic approach to secure his services.
According to The Independent, the FA is particularly impressed with Guardiola’s track record of winning trophies. Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire in 2025, and there is speculation that he might leave the club at the end of the upcoming season. This potential availability has made the FA keen to explore the possibility of bringing him on board.
The FA is eager to make a swift decision regarding the new England manager but may consider appointing Lee Carsley as an interim manager while they wait for Guardiola. This strategy mirrors Southgate’s initial appointment as an interim manager before he was given the permanent role, which he held for eight years.
Guardiola’s extensive success with Manchester City, where he has guided the team to numerous domestic titles and established them as a dominant force in English football, makes him a highly attractive candidate for the England job.
The FA believes that an international management role could appeal to Guardiola, offering him a new challenge after his remarkable tenure in club football.
As the FA considers its options, the prospect of securing Guardiola’s signature is enticing, especially given his proven ability to build winning teams and develop players. His potential appointment would mark a significant step for the England national team as they prepare for the future.
Looking ahead, the FA is aware that while the European Championship has just concluded, preparations for the 2026 World Cup will soon begin. The qualification process for the tournament is scheduled to start in March, and having a manager of Guardiola’s caliber could be crucial in leading England to success on the international stage.
