Pep Guardiola responds to question over potential managerial future in Italian football | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to questions over whether he has a future in Italian football beyond his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

The Catalan tactician is into the final year of his current Manchester City contract, and is being permitted the time and space to come to a decision on his own future as a direct consequence of the remarkable success he has brought to the club over eight seasons.

From the side of Manchester City, they have no intention of allowing the 54-year-old to leave, and would ideally like to renew his contract into a 10th season at the Etihad Stadium. However, there remains an acceptance that he may seek a new challenge.

Some within the game believe that Guardiola may never manage another club side following his time at Manchester City, instead seeking opportunities at national team level after taking a break from the game.

However, that has not stopped teams in countries where Pep Guardiola has not yet managed from dreaming about the potential of the legendary coach from making a move to them. The latest of those countries to be discussed is Italy.

Speaking to the media after Manchester City’s recent 0-0 draw with Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola was asked whether his managerial future beyond the Premier League club lies within the Italian game.

“I love Italy but I really enjoy being here,” said Guardiola. “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.”

Guardiola continued, “This is a great club. I really feel good here. I am pleased to be here.”

The latest words from Guardiola on his football future will likely come as a boost to Manchester City and their hopes of keeping the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager beyond the end of the ongoing season.

For the time being, City will likely be drafting together contingency plans for the possibility of Guardiola leaving the club in the coming months, and could turn to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Míchel, or even Vincent Kompany in the event of a departure.