Pep Guardiola has poured cold water on reports linking him with becoming Brazil 's next manager.
The Manchester City boss was claimed to have been offered a deal worth £10million per year to replace current Selecao boss Tite after the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Guardiola has previously expressed his desire to move into international football, with Brazil believed to be his dream pick, although has quickly moved to shut down the reports.
Speaking ahead of his side's hotly-anticipated Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday, the Citizens manager declared: "I am under contract here. I am so happy here. Now is not the moment (to discuss the links). I don't know where that comes from."
Marca reported that the Brazilian FA were confident in prising Guardiola away from Etihad Stadium. But they would potentially have to wait until six months after the controversial tournament in Qatar to begin fully working with the acclaimed Catalan coach, as Guardiola has a contract with City until June 2023.
Nevertheless, the CBF hope to secure to his services thanks to their lucrative offer - still almost half of what the 51-year-old earns in Manchester - and have him in charge for the 2024 Copa America in Ecuador and 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Selecao chiefs were boosted by Guardiola's comments at the beginning of the season, when he stated: "The next step will be a national team, yes, if there's a chance. I must have a break after seven years (at City), I need to stop to watch, learn from other players and maybe that is the road I will take. I would like to coach at the Euros, a Copa America, a World Cup."
When asked specifically about the iconic Brazilian side, Guardiola added: "It is a fantastic national team. Brazil is always a strong candidate or the favourite. It always was and it will always be."
Join the debate! Would Guardiola make a good Brazil manager? Comment your thoughts below.
For now, though, his full focus is on the Citizens' potential title decider, as the champions are only one point above Jurgen Klopp 's Liverpool in the Premier League table with eight games remaining. Reflecting on his success at City so far in a somewhat poignant moment amid the speculation over his possible departure, Guardiola said: "I'd say incredible things about my team. It's not my intention to praise myself.
"My team are the best. The way we drop points is the way how good we are. How to benefit the sport winning and losing. Many years in this country how difficult it is.
"When people say City are the best, they want to put a net. I like to admit my players are exceptional. I don't want to say for the staff, who they are. Many years doing good things. It's not because we are ahead of anyone, it's because they are incredible. You see analysis of how they are.
"This is what I need personally to improve myself. Come on, let's try to beat them and what we can do to be better. I like to be here for Sunday's game. I sleep like a baby before it. I'm a bit upset with the Premier League because they put the game when Tiger Woods is back [playing at the Masters ]!"
