Only a few managers have achieved Pep Guardiola’s managerial feats. The 52-year-old Spaniard is, in fact, currently considered the best manager in the World after receiving several honours from the FA and UEFA. He’s reached the peak of club football, re-asserting his dominance in the Premier League with Manchester City season after season.
However, Pep Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City is soon coming to an end. It is uncertain whether a contract extension is a possibility, as the Spanish manager has voiced his opinion on taking on challenges on an international level. After completing the treble with Manchester City last season, it looks like the perfect time for him to venture off on a new adventure.
Guardiola becomes a leading candidate to succeed Southgate
There are speculations that Gareth Southgate, the current England National Men’s team manager, may leave after next summer’s Euros. The former defender has led the Three Lions since September 2016 and has enjoyed notable success, including reaching the final of Euro 2020.
In light of Southgate’s departure, provision has to be made for a new England Manager. The FA chiefs are already working on a shortlist of replacements. As reported by the Mirror, Pep Guardiola, 52, is a significant contender for the slot. Pep Guardiola is famous for winning the Champions League several times. He’s considered one of the best football managers in the world.
Pep Guardiola has achieved everything in club football with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and now Manchester City. Now, he might be lured away from the Etihad Stadium to replicate his achievements in international football.
The Football Association reportedly considers Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino, Brendan Rodgers, and Graham Potter potential candidates. However, only Graham Potter is currently without a managerial role, as Chelsea dismissed him earlier this year, with Pochettino now leading the team at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Howe currently manages Newcastle, while Celtic reappointed Brendan Rodgers over the summer. Nonetheless, the England job will be a big shot for any of these managers. Hence, it is highly doubtful that they would reject such an opportunity. The England job continues to be a highly coveted position in the world of football.
However, Pep Guardiola is believed to be very desired by the FA. And it is not the first time England has engaged the services of a foreigner for such a managerial role. The FA once hired Swedish manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2001 and Italian manager Fabio Capello seven years later.
How many UCL trophies does Guardiola have?
Pep Guardiola has won the most coveted trophies in the world while managing Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. In England alone, he’s won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, bringing Manchester City to the top of the footballing world.
According to GoalBall, the 52-year-old veteran manager, as of June 10, 2023, had won 36 trophies combined with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona.
He won the Champions League three times, in 2023, 2011, and 2009, respectively. He’s also a three-time winner of the FIFA Club World Cup. Pep won the Bundesliga three times and the Premier League five times, a few in his incredible trophy cabinet.
A manager of such high profile and calibre will surely make England one of the top contenders in any international tournament. What’s your take on this? Let us know if the FA should hire Pep Guardiola in the comments section.
