Guardiola solutions England supervisor hyperlinks with telling comment amid Carsley doubts

Pep Guardiola is keeping fans on their toes about his next move in the beautiful game as he continues to be linked to the England manager’s job.

After Gareth Southgate retired from his Three Lions role post-Euro 2024, Lee Carsley was appointed interim manager. But the former Everton midfielder continues to give mixed messages about whether he wants the job permanently, seemingly ruled himself out of the running and then refusing to do so categorically.

Rumours are rife that Guardiola, whose deal with Manchester City is on the countdown to expiry next summer, might take the helm before World Cup 2026 qualifiers begin.

READ MORE: Lee Carsley stance on getting England job unclear as he gives FA ‘world class’ message

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However, when pressed about potentially filling England’s managerial void, Guardiola played his cards close to his chest on Che Tempo Che Fa, saying: “I haven’t finished my career at Manchester City yet, I still have to think about it.”

He said: “It’s not true that I’ll be the England coach. I haven’t decided anything yet, if I had decided my future at Manchester City I would say so, anything can happen in life,” reports the Express.

Meanwhile, it’s all change at City, with CEO and Guardiola’s close friend Txiki Begiristain prepping to exit stage left at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the champions remain embroiled in what has been dubbed the ‘Trial of the Century,’ battling it out against 115 Premier League charges of breaking financial rules, which they deny.

The presenter of the Italian chat show couldn’t resist nudging Guardiola towards a switch to Serie A. Having previously played in Italy with stint at Brescia and Roma, the current City boss quipped about relocating to Italy: “Future in Italy? If [Roberto] Baggio accompanies me as assistant.”

Guardiola heaped praises on his old Brescia comrade, remarking: “I knew him when he was in the final moments of his career and with a ruined knee, but he was still the strongest.” Gushing over the Italian legend’s skills, he added: “I can only imagine when he was in his prime. He is loved everywhere.”

The chat also turned to his glittering managerial career, with Guardiola cheekily boasting about being the “best” for securing a treble of league, domestic cup and Champions League at two separate clubs.

When it came to coaching inspirations, it was unsurprisingly Johan Cruyff who made Guardiola “fall in love with football”. Reflecting on Cruyff’s influence, the soccer supremo shared: “I can’t imagine how my life and career would have gone without Cruyff.

“He taught me so much on a tactical level, but above all he created me from a human point of view. He was a genius, unique. He made me fall in love with football.”

Up next, Guardiola and his City squad are set to continue their quest for a record fifth consecutive Premier League crown, facing Wolves on Sunday.