Pep Guardiola has told fans to be “open-minded” about foreign managers taking national-team jobs after speculation linking the Manchester City boss with becoming the next England boss ended with the FA appointing Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday.
Three-time Champions League-winning manager Guardiola did not directly answer when he was asked whether he was one of the 10 candidates the FA said they had interviewed during the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor, which culminated in German Tuchel – a European champion with Chelsea – taking charge with the aim of winning the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
“We must congratulate him and the FA for a big job,” said Guardiola, adding that he wants to become an international manager during his career.
“The very, very best to them. We don’t decide where we’re born. Mum and dad decide in certain moments, and nine months later, we’re here.
“I know we are proud of where we’re born, where we live, the education we had. But the world is so big and we have to be open-minded. I came here to learn from you… to give what I know, but to get a lot.”
PEP 💬 They [Wolves] have got less points than they deserve. It’s what I can see after watching them during the international break. Always have been tough, since Nuno Espirito Santo was manager. All the time they have been exceptional. pic.twitter.com/UJEhYfFK4j
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 18, 2024
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Guardiola backs Tuchel for England
Guardiola has had a transformative effect on football in Spain, Germany and England while lifting titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, with whom he has won the Premier League six times since being appointed in 2016.
The 53-year-old said he could “understand” why the FA’s critics argue they should have chosen an English coach but said Tuchel would bring “knowledge” and “wisdom” to the position.
“You don’t decide to be Catalan, you don’t decide to be English,” observed Guardiola. “Look at what is happening around the world where people believe they are better than the other one.
“It happens in Ukraine, in Russia, in Israel and parts of Africa, where people think they are better than the other one. I don’t like that people criticise just because somebody is born in a different place.”
PEP 💬 [On Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne] No, not ready… Yesterday Nathan [Ake] did the first training with the team. Maybe they can travel [this weekend] but to start, they’re not ready. pic.twitter.com/KjIemrFlhH
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 18, 2024
Wolves vs Man City
City are a point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool before they visit bottom side Wolves on Sunday, although Guardiola believes that Gary O’Neil’s side have not earned the points they deserve after reviewing their performances during the international break.
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is not ready to return from injury, while Nathan Ake could travel with the squad but is unlikely to start.
Ake’s fellow defender, Manuel Akanji, had a day off on Friday and will have a fitness check on Saturday. Goalkeeper Ederson and winger Savinho will also be assessed after playing for Brazil on Wednesday.
