Pep Guardiola was spotted in Manchester city centre as he gears up for the Premier League’s return, with Manchester City eyeing their fifth consecutive title. The international break gave Guardiola a welcome break from questions about the vacant England job, which he has been linked to, but with the FA appointing Thomas Tuchel, he can now focus on City’s title defense.
City fans have been anxiously awaiting news on Guardiola’s future, as his current contract runs out next summer. Club officials, however, are optimistic that a decision about a potential extension will come by January. As previously reported, the FA had reached out to Guardiola over the summer, but their pursuit ended when it became clear that he was leaning toward renewing his City contract for at least another year.
Tuchel, who secured the England role ahead of nine other candidates, including English managers, emerged victorious in what has long been called the “impossible job.” FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, speaking at Tuchel’s unveiling, confirmed: “We conducted interviews with around ten candidates, including English ones. The whole process was kept strictly confidential.”
Though Tuchel has already signed an 18-month contract, both Guardiola and England U21 coach Lee Carsley were questioned about their interest in the job during the international break. Guardiola has downplayed the rumors in a recent appearance on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa, stating, “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet. And it’s not true that I’ll be the next England coach. If I had made a decision, I would say it… but anything can happen.”
If Guardiola does opt to stay with City, it will be without the support of his long-time colleague Txiki Begiristain, the club’s Director of Football. Having worked together briefly at Barcelona before reuniting in 2016 at City, Begiristain is set to step down at the end of the 2024/25 season. City announced his successor, former Newcastle and Sporting CP midfielder Hugo Viana.
In a statement, City said: “Manchester City confirms that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season. After twelve successful years, Txiki will leave following the Club’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup and will be succeeded by Hugo Viana. Viana will begin his role in summer 2025, working alongside Txiki in the interim to ensure a seamless transition. We look forward to honoring Txiki’s incredible contribution at the end of the season.”
