Report: FA Eye Top Premier League Manager for England Role | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola Next England Manager?

The prospect of Pep Guardiola becoming the next England manager has created a buzz across the footballing world. The Times recently reported that “Pep Guardiola has been sounded out about becoming England’s next manager and is expected to decide on his future in the coming weeks.” This raises the question: could the mastermind behind Manchester City’s dominance be the perfect candidate to lead England to international glory?

FA’s Search for a World-Class Manager

According to The Times, “It is understood the Football Association made informal contact with the Catalan at the start of this season.” Although the FA is considering other candidates, Guardiola stands out due to his unmatched record in English football. Having led Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles and a historic treble in 2023, the Spaniard’s résumé speaks for itself.

The FA has been keen to identify a manager with “significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.” Guardiola certainly checks these boxes. His success with nurturing English talents like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis also aligns with the FA’s emphasis on developing English-qualified players.

What’s Next for Guardiola?

Although Guardiola has not made any formal decisions, he addressed the speculation during an appearance on Italian television. “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet,” he said, adding, “anything can happen.”

Guardiola’s contract with City is set to expire at the end of the season, but City’s hierarchy, including chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, is determined to keep him. The Times reported that Guardiola holds a strong relationship with Al-Mubarak, which was instrumental in his previous contract extensions. City may yet persuade him to stay, but with his close confidant, Txiki Begiristain, leaving the club next summer, Guardiola’s future remains uncertain.

Alternatives on the Table

While Guardiola is the clear frontrunner, he is not the only name being floated. Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has emerged as a viable option, particularly because of his good relationship with England captain Harry Kane, who now plays under him at Bayern Munich. Jurgen Klopp was also considered but seems uninterested in returning to management anytime soon.

Photo IMAGO

The FA has also cast a wide net, considering English managers such as Eddie Howe and Graham Potter. However, it is widely believed that none can match Guardiola’s calibre. As the Times notes, if he takes the job, he would be the third foreign manager in England’s history, after Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, but unlike his predecessors, Guardiola’s deep involvement with the Premier League would provide a unique advantage.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The possibility of having Pep Guardiola in charge of England is nothing short of thrilling. There’s no question that he has the tactical genius and managerial pedigree to potentially deliver what English fans have craved for years: international silverware.

They would undoubtedly appreciate how Guardiola’s style, which has transformed City into one of Europe’s top clubs, could breathe life into the England team. His experience with English footballers, like Foden and Palmer, already gives him a unique insight into the talent pool. Moreover, Guardiola has a reputation for instilling a winning mentality, something the national team has struggled to maintain under previous managers, despite coming agonisingly close in recent tournaments.

The concern, however, lies in whether he would be the right fit for international football. Club football and the international stage are different beasts, with the latter offering limited time to mould a team. Can Guardiola’s high-intensity, detail-oriented approach work within these constraints?