Pep Guardiola hints at future in international football

Pep Guardiola has revealed his desire to one day take charge of a national team at a major tournament, admitting in an interview with Reuters that he would “love” to manage at a World Cup, European Championship or Copa America.

The Manchester City boss has also spoken about Carlo Ancelotti’s move to Brazil and the constant pressure of having to win the Champions League.

Amid the international break and just days before the start of the Club World Cup, Guardiola has been speaking to various media outlets about the present and future of the game. Asked about his own managerial aspirations, he left the door open to a move into international football.

“I would love to be at a World Cup, a European Championship, a Copa America. I’ve always thought about it,” he said. “But it depends on many, many things. If it happens, great. If not, that’s more than fine too.”

Guardiola was previously linked with the Brazil job, although it was Carlo Ancelotti who ultimately accepted the role. “I’m very happy for him,” said Guardiola. “Even more so because he’s no longer at Madrid – he always beats me.”

Speaking about the intense demands of modern management, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach admitted he feels pressure year after year. “I’ve won 12 league titles in 16 seasons. I’d say that’s not bad – but you can’t win everything. I can’t win the Champions League every single year,” he added.

Still, he acknowledged that lifting another European title with City remains on his “to-do list”. Guardiola also reflected critically on a challenging season: “I don’t want to feel the way I did this year again. When you win, the wine tastes better and you sleep better. I’ve never met a manager who loses and sleeps like a baby – that doesn’t happen.”

In a separate interview with French football outlet Wiloo, Guardiola congratulated Luis Enrique after Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic Champions League final victory over Inter Milan. “I’m very happy for him, for his staff, his family and his players,” he said.

“I didn’t expect that scoreline,” he added. “On paper, PSG were the favourites, but Inter are a great side. I’ve always thought Inzaghi’s team was fantastic. PSG have had an outstanding season – reaching the summit just like we did three seasons ago.

“To beat Inter 5-0, you have to do a lot of things very well,” Guardiola concluded, assessing the final in Munich.

“PSG were very solid, gave away very little – just a few set pieces. They’re strong in transitions, in positional play, and they’re very aggressive. Inter have some excellent players, but Dembele was brilliant in the press and stopped them building from the back. PSG are a great team, and every year they’ll be contenders among Europe’s elite.”