Pep Guardiola reaffirmed his affection for Manchester City and English football following his team’s scoreless draw against Inter Milan in their inaugural Champions League match of the season on Wednesday.
The City manager observed his team struggle to attain their customary fluidity and generate significant offensive intent during what was at times a lackluster match against the team they defeated in the final of this tournament in 2023.
Substitute Ilkay Gundogan had two headed opportunities to secure victory for City late in the match, but eventually both teams had to accept a draw on their inaugural night of the restructured league round.
Guardiola commended his team’s effort post-match and was subsequently queried by an Italian journalist on the possibility of managing in Italy.
The Catalan said emphatically: “I adore Italy, yet I derive great pleasure from being here.” I have a strong affinity for English football. It is exceptional. I derive great pleasure from it. They allow you to work alone. Such occurrences are unprecedented elsewhere. This club is exceptional. I feel quite content here. I am delighted to be present.
Guardiola’s existing contract with City concludes in the summer of 2025, coinciding with City’s participation in the restructured Club World Cup. There has been little clarification about the possibility of him signing a new contract, with many anticipating that this may be his final season at the club, and others believing his future might be connected to the Premier League’s current case against the club for suspected financial violations.
The six-time Premier League champion has thus far refrained from disclosing his intentions; nevertheless, following last season’s title victory, he acknowledged: “The reality is I am closer to departing than remaining.”
In a February interview with ESPN, he expressed interest in leading a national team at a big event in the future.
A representative national squad. I aspire to coach a national team for a World Cup or European Championship. “I would prefer that,” he stated.
“I am uncertain who would desire my company!” To be selected for a national team, one must be desired, like to a club’s recruitment process. I would be eager to experience a World Cup, Euro, or Copa America, regardless of which one it is.
I would much enjoy that. I am uncertain when it may occur; it may transpire in five, ten, or fifteen years. However, I would relish the opportunity to experience being a manager in a World Cup.
