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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Man City: Pep Guardiola confirms desire to take international job amid England manager speculation

Pep Guardiola has confirmed he remains keen to move into international management at some point in his career.

The Manchester City boss was reportedly sounded out by the Football Association (FA) as a potential candidate to replace Gareth Southgate before the Three Lions moved to appoint Thomas Tuchel.

Guardiola, who lost the 2021 Champions League final to Tuchel’s Chelsea, has backed the German after taking the job on an 18-month contract to oversee England’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The City manager is out of contract at the end of the season and has so far been coy about what comes next after a trophy-laden eight-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.

Having previously expressed a desire to take an international job, Guardiola replied “yes” when asked on Friday if that remained a goal of his.

Pressed further on his future, Guardiola said: "The club have never ever told me [when they want a decision on my future].

Pep Guardiola has backed Thomas Tuchel after taking the England job (The FA via Getty Images)

"Of course, but I'm pretty sure the club have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it will happen and they have to prepare. It will not be a surprise.

"I want to be really convinced it is the best for the club. I will not delay any action thinking it will be a problem for the club. They understand the problems I will have.

"If the club asks me an opinion [on my successor] I will give them an opinion. But it is not a decision for me. It has to be the club."

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