Famous media The Athletic reports that Pep Guardiola may extend his contract with Manchester City for one more year and then lead a national team to the 2030 World Cup.
The media points out: After City’s 1-4 away loss to Sporting Portugal, a Brazilian journalist asked the coach in Portuguese if there was any possibility of him coaching the Brazil national team. The coach joked, “After a 1-4 defeat, I am no longer an option.” However, the journalist persisted, and Guardiola said, “I want to pick myself up more than ever and get Manchester City back to the top. It is a huge challenge, but I am here. We knew from the start that it would be a tough season. But I like it, I love it, and I want to face it, to inspire my players to try it.”
City’s recent slump has occurred against the backdrop of uncertainty about Guardiola’s future. The coach is in the final year of his contract, and there are concerns within the club that he will leave in 2025 along with football director Txiki Begiristain, whose successor, Hugo Viana, has already been confirmed.
An anonymous well-informed source told the media that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is taking action to persuade Guardiola to take over the national team, having called multiple times this year. Guardiola has repeatedly stated that he wants to coach a national team in a major tournament, a dream he reaffirmed after Thomas Tuchel took over the England team.
It is understood that during his time at Barcelona, the CBF was not interested in hiring Guardiola, which left him feeling somewhat frustrated. However, sources close to him say that Guardiola likes the idea of coaching Brazil. Additionally, there is a stronger view that Guardiola will stay at City for another year and then work to prepare a national team for the 2030 World Cup.
Guardiola has not made a decision yet, but some people within the club have noticed a change in the atmosphere. Previously, it was thought that he would definitely leave, but now the possibility of him extending his contract seems to be growing.
City is currently facing 115 charges against the club, and the team’s future remains uncertain until the results are known. However, the well-informed source told The Athletic that if City is found guilty and faces severe punishment, the likelihood of Guardiola staying might actually increase. He has promised that he wants the club to excel in every aspect, and if the team is heavily penalized, he does not want his departure to add to the club’s burden.
