It is a question that has lingered for months: will Pep Guardiola stay at Manchester City beyond the end of the 2024/25 season, or will he find a new challenge?
Back in May, City clinched an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title; the 17th major trophy of Guardiola's phenomenal reign at the Etihad.
But after lifting another piece of silverware, Guardiola dropped a bombshell about his future.
Advert
“The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying," he told Sky Sports. "We have talked with the club - my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years - we will see.”
Guardiola is the most successful manager in the club's history but for some time, he has been linked with a move away It is said the 53-year-old will make decision on his future between December and February, just months before his contract is due to expire.
When questioned about his future last month, Guardiola told Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: "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."
Advert
It has been widely reported that Guardiola could take up a national team job after being linked with both the Brazil and the United States national team.
And now, a report from The Athletic suggests Guardiola 'likes the idea' of managing Brazil's national team. In fact, he was 'annoyed' when the Brazilian Football Confederation [CBF] distanced themselves from hiring him following his time at Barcelona.
The CBF, meanwhile, are pushing to hire the Spaniard, with talks over the phone mentioned.
Advert
Guardiola has been vocal about having a "dream" to manage on the international stage. "In our lives we have dreams of what we'd like to do in the future, but it doesn't mean it's going to happen," he told a press conference in 2018.
Thoughts on the idea of Guardiola moving away from club football? Let us know in the comments.
SPORTbible have reached out to Manchester City for comment.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola
Jack Kenmare