Pep Guardiola Interested in Future England Manager Role

Pep Guardiola has expressed interest in taking on the role of England manager at some point following his departure from Manchester City. The coach, who recently concluded a decade of success at the Etihad Stadium, is considered the Football Association’s top candidate for the position.

Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City ended with an impressive haul of 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. After his emotional exit on Sunday, he is expected to take a break from coaching, similar to the sabbatical he took after leaving Barcelona. Enzo Maresca is set to fill the vacancy left by Guardiola at City.

Guardiola’s Position as England’s Preferred Candidate

Although Thomas Tuchel has committed to managing England through Euro 2028, Guardiola remains the foremost choice for the FA in the long term. Sources close to talkSPORT reveal that Guardiola is intrigued by the prospect of leading a national team and would be "keen" to manage England eventually.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs commented on talkSPORT: "The England job, he’s always been a dream candidate. We know that Thomas Tuchel extended, but in the long run... My feeling is that Pep will one day go into international management. He doesn’t have anything else lined up. It’s unlikely he’ll take another job within the Premier League, but keep an eye on Pep just doing what Jurgen Klopp’s done, taking on strategic roles. He’s going to be a club ambassador for City Football Group and then in the more medium to long-term future, is his head turned by an international vacancy?"

Interest from Saudi Arabia in Guardiola’s Future

Saudi Arabia is also reportedly interested in recruiting Guardiola as they prepare to host the 2034 World Cup. Currently managed by Georgios Donis, the Saudi Football Federation may pursue Guardiola as a long-term option.

Jacobs further explained: "Saudi is the viable option. Although, naturally, UAE because of the links with Manchester City could be another possibility too. I think Saudi will make a play for Pep Guardiola with a view more to the longer-term future. They won’t be panicked if they don’t get him now. They’ll be thinking more about, is he the right manager for the 2034 World Cup?"

Future Prospects for Guardiola in International Management

England currently remain under the management of Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate in early 2025. The FA recognizes that the chance to appoint Guardiola may be rare and could arise only after upcoming major tournaments.

Jacobs concluded on talkSPORT: "The Saudi Football Federation would love to bring Pep Guardiola as manager one day, but he still remains a kind of dream target for England. Of course, Thomas Tuchel is the man they’ve gone for. He signed a new deal, he’s the manager in place at the moment for the home Euros. If it was not to work out and end more abruptly, and there’s no signs of that at this stage, then don’t be surprised if England come calling for Pep Guardiola as well."