Reports linking Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with contact from the Brazilian Football Confederation over their managerial position have been denied.
The latest comments come after it was reported by The Athletic earlier this month that the Brazilian Football Confederation were making a major play to bring Pep Guardiola on board as their next head coach.
It was claimed at the time that those from Brazil had been calling the Manchester City boss on several occasions across 2024, with ‘sources close to Guardiola’ stating that the Catalan tactician likes the idea of managing the South American football powerhouse.
Reports concerning Pep Guardiola’s next steps in the game beyond Manchester City follow a number of comments made by the legendary coach that he maintains a desire to step into the international game beyond his club level career.
Speaking in March, Pep Guardiola said of his desire to manage at international level, “Because I have a dream, it doesn’t mean that it will come true and, if it doesn’t happen, great, too. [Why do you dream of this? Is it because of the World Cup?] Yes, basically.”
Now, speaking during a recent interview ahead of the ongoing November international break, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues has firmly denied any contact having been made with Guardiola over taking over the managerial role.
“I understand that (Pep) Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches in the world,” Rodrigues admitted in recent days.
“But we haven’t made any kind of search for him,” he insisted. “The coach of the national team is Dorival Junior.”
An interview with Pep Guardiola back in February also showcased the Manchester City manager’s desire to take on the international level of the game, as he admitted, “I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.”
When quizzed on what country he would like to lead in future, the 53-year-old admitted, “I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.”
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are currently taking up the opportunity to rest and refresh during the international break ahead of their return to club duties at home to Tottenham on November 23, with a long list of injury and fitness concerns looming over the club.
