Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his passion for Manchester City and English football following their goalless draw against Inter Milan in their opening Champions League match of the season on Wednesday.
City struggled to find their usual rhythm in what turned out to be a lackluster encounter against the team they defeated in the 2023 Champions League final.
Despite some late chances for substitute Ilkay Gundogan, who had two headed opportunities to secure a win, both sides had to settle for a point in the revamped league phase.
After the match, Guardiola praised his team’s performance. When questioned by an Italian journalist about the possibility of managing in Italy someday, the Catalan manager dismissed the idea, stating, “I love Italy, but I really enjoy being here. I love English football. It is fantastic. I really enjoy it. They leave you alone to get on with your job. That doesn’t happen anywhere else. This is a great club. I really feel good here. I am pleased to be here.”
Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2025, coinciding with the club’s participation in the revamped Club World Cup. However, uncertainty looms over a potential contract extension.
Many speculate this could be his final season with City, with his future possibly influenced by the ongoing Premier League investigation into the club’s alleged financial breaches.
The six-time Premier League-winning manager has kept his future plans close to his chest. After securing the title last season, he hinted, “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying.”
In a February interview with ESPN, Guardiola expressed his interest in managing a national team at a major tournament, saying, “I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that. I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team, they have to want you, just like a club. I would love to experience a World Cup, Euro, or Copa America.”
He added, “I would relish that. I’m not sure when that might take place, could be five, 10, 15 years from now, but I would love to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup.”
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