I’m heading for the Premier League, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola: Heading for Man City this summer

Pep Guardiola: Heading for Man City this summer

Pep Guardiola says he has not made up his mind which club he will manage next, but he has confirmed he wants to move to the Premier League.

The Bayern Munich boss revealed last month that he would not be renewing his contract in Bavaria in the summer and that has led to feverish speculation.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the 44-year-old and now the former Barcelona boss has admitted he didn’t renew his deal with the Bundesliga club because he wants a job in England and he claims he has “offers”.

“The reason I have not extended my contract is simple. I want to manage in the Premier League,” said Guardiola.

“I haven’t decided on a new club yet.

“I’m very happy and grateful to Bayern for the trust they’ve shown in me but I need a new challenge and I want to use that chance to be a manager in England.

“I want to experience the atmosphere in England and I look forward to [working at] the stadiums there. I am 44 and it is the right time to go there. There are offers but I haven’t signed for anyone yet.

“When I have a new club I will let everyone know.

“The atmosphere in the Bayern squad is super and I will do everything I can to keep it that way. I will give my absolute best until the end.”

Guardiola took over from Jupp Heynckes in the summer of 2013 on a three-year contract and has won back-to-back Bundesliga crowns, as well as the DFB-Pokal, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

That haul is almost certainly going to be added to this season, complementing an impressive trophy haul that includes, amongst others, two Champions League and three Primera Division titles from his time as Barcelona boss.

It is no wonder there is so much interest from Premier League clubs in Guardiola, with Man City the bookmakers’ favourites.

The Spaniard previously worked with City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Beguiristain during his time at Barca.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is said to be a great admirer of Guardiola and is on the look-out for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, with Guus Hiddink in interim charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season.

As for United, Louis van Gaal’s immediate future seems secure but Manchester United could possibly be tempted to replace one former Bayern Munich boss with another.

 

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