Pep Guardiola is being eyed as a potential candidate for England’s next soccer head coach.
The Football Association (FA) has approached Guardiola about the possibility of taking over once his current contract with Manchester City ends next summer. Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea boss and Champions League winner, is also on the FA’s shortlist. It’s understood that discreet enquiries have been made to several candidates.
Over the weekend, Guardiola addressed the rumors on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa. He said: “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it … I don’t know either, anything can happen.”
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Interim boss Lee Carsley hasn’t ruled himself out either, but it seems the FA may be looking elsewhere. Carsley is expected to resume his role as the England U21 coach once a permanent appointment is made. However, if the FA chooses a manager currently employed, Carsley might remain in position until the new manager is available.
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is another potential candidate on the FA’s list. Guardiola, if chosen, would be a fan favorite, but there are several obstacles to consider.
The FA has been scouting for candidates since Gareth Southgate stepped down post-Euros in July, and it’s expecting an answer from Guardiola in the upcoming weeks. City is keen on retaining Guardiola, and he might also want a break after what will be nine years at the helm next summer.
Guardiola remains an ambitious target, and there are serious doubts about its feasibility. Currently, Carsley is the interim manager of England’s senior team, but his chances for the permanent position took a hit after a loss to Greece last week.
Lee Carsley is England’s current interim head coach (
Getty Images)
However, they bounced back with a win against Finland on Sunday. Carsley has hinted that he may not be the long-term solution. “I’ve not really thought much about it,” he said.
“I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position. I’m really enjoying it but I didn’t enjoy the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t take losing well,” he told ITV after the win over Finland.
“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.
We were looking for a reaction and this is only four games into it so I’ve still not quite worked out how the team respond to setbacks. But they’ve responded in the best way tonight. Scored three good goals but disappointed to concede at the end. We had a lot more control, massive possession, lots of passes and created a lot of chances.
“But we can still be better. The way Finland set up they were well organised with five at the back. When you have that amount of possession you’re always going to get chances at 70 minutes onward and the subs made an impact.”
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