Pep Guardiola’s Man City future to be decided ‘in the coming weeks’ as England make contact

Pep Guardiola has been ‘sounded out’ by the FA as Gareth Southgate’s long-term replacement, according to a recent report.

The Manchester City manager has previously been linked with the position, which Lee Carsley is currently holding on an interim basis. The former Everton midfielder last week said he expects to return to the Under-21s after his brief stint in charge of the senior team and a report by the Times claims Carsley’s comments have ‘accelerated the need to conclude the recruitment process’.

Guardiola is said to be top of the FA’s list, while Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Thomas Tuchel are also in the running. Jurgen Klopp, however, has not been considered for the role.

The Times add that the FA made ‘informal contact’ with Guardiola at the start of this season and the City boss is yet to respond. He will decide his future in the coming weeks, the outlet adds, with his contract at City set to expire at the end of season.

“Guardiola will make a decision in the coming weeks as he wants to make sure that he does not leave City in the lurch if he decides to depart,” the Times report. “Out of respect to City, he wants to give them clarity on his future as early as possible so they have enough time to sound out a potential replacement if he leaves.”

The subject of Guardiola’s future has been a recurring topic this season, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss failing to be drawn on speculation when asked this season. On Sunday, during an appearance on Italian TV show Che tempo Che Fa, Guardiola said he has not made his mind up yet on his plans and added that ‘anything can happen’ when asked about the possibility of becoming the next England manager.

The news comes as Guardiola’s long-term ally Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the season, with City confirming over the weekend that he will be replaced by Hugo Viana.

Guardiola reportedly met with City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak over the international break during a pre-planned trip to Abu Dhabi, but it’s unclear whether he discussed his future. The Catalan has previously expressed his desire to manage at international level and has spoken in glowing terms about English football in the past.

In eight full seasons at the Etihad, Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Carabao Cup on four occasions. He also led City to a maiden Champions League triumph in 2023 and has set a plethora of Premier League records along the way.