Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly contemplating extending his contract with the club following an approach to take over the England senior team. The Football Association is on the hunt for a long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, and interim boss Lee Carsley is set to return to the Under-21s.
However, if a national team job offer comes at the right time then Guardiola would be willing to take a significant paycut to his £20million-a-year salary.
The Spanish coach, who has guided Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles, is one of the most influential figures in football history. His current contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of this season.
This situation has caught the attention of England's bosses, who have approached him about taking the reins of the Three Lions once he departs from City. However, it seems that Guardiola is keeping his options open.
As per the Daily Telegraph, Guardiola is mulling over a 12-month extension to his contract with City. While the club would prefer a longer commitment, they would be thrilled if he agrees to an additional year.
Guardiola last extended his contract in November 2022, which took him through to 2025. If he decides to stay with City, it is anticipated to be for a shorter term.
Although remaining at City is a viable option, Guardiola is intrigued by the prospect of managing a national team.
For any national association considering him for their managerial role, Guardiola acknowledges that he will earn less than at club level. Currently, there is no deadline for the Spaniard as he deliberates his next move.
Speculation is rife that Pep Guardiola might opt for a break from the managerial merry-go-round after his tenure at City concludes, echoing his post-Barcelona respite in 2012 where he took some time out in New York. The FA has evidently placed Guardiola high on their wish list, poised to remain there unless he excludes himself as a contender for the England coach role.
Yet, by no indication has Guardiola closed the door on such possibilities. During an appearance on the Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa, Guardiola addressed rumours regarding his career choices: "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."
Interim manager Lee Carsley seems to endorse the prospect of the FA targeting an illustrious name like Guardiola, despite leading England to his own recent victory against Finland. Carsley spoke candidly about his stance, claiming a focus on his short-term six-game remit and expressing the emotional toll of recent results: "I've not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I'm happy with that. This is a privileged position. I'm really enjoying it but I didn't enjoy the last two days. I'm not used to losing in an England team, I don't take losing well."
While also acknowledging the nation's need for a decorated coach: "People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I'm in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."
