There is a big date creeping into the distant future for Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard’s contract at Manchester City comes to an end in just over a year, and there could be a huge decision to be made in that summer. The talks surrounding his future are already beginning to gain traction, with scrutiny likely to be put on whatever decision he decides to make.
Guardiola is one of the most respected coaches in world football, which means that there will be no shortage of clubs or countries that are willing to offer him a lucrative deal. He is to coaching, what Kylian Mbappe is to the future of football. But, where could the current Manchester City boss be coaching at the beginning of the 2021-22 season?
Barcelona
Talks surrounding a Guardiola return to the Camp Nou have increased this week after it was reported that Joan Laporta would be running for the presidency of Barcelona. Laporta was a hugely influential figure in the dominant Barcelona period between 2003 and 2010 and was the man responsible for promoted Guardiola to his position at manager at the club. Laporta has promised that he will attempt to bring back the illustrious coach if he is elected next year.
It would certainly be a romantic move by Guardiola to return to the Camp Nou, but it could be a double-edged sword. Things at the Nou Camp have become messy over the past couple of months, with numerous high-ranking officials at the club having resigned in protest. Guardiola also likes to be in complete control of the running of the club, and that may not be the case.
Brazil
Guardiola has already teased with a move into international football, but we could be reaching a stage where that could possibly happen. The one national job that he has already shown interest in is the Brazilian job, and with Tite already revealing that he will be stepping down regardless of the outcome at the 2022 World Cup, the door could be open for Guardiola to step into the role.
The Spaniard was interested in the role back in 2014, as he wanted to lead the country into their home World Cup. It is unlikely that he could be tempted by the Spain job as he is a proud Catalonian, and the only other nation that has been linked as a possible contender is Italy. However, there would be something wonderful in the prospect of seeing Guardiola coach a free-flowing Brazilian national side that people of a certain age grew up watching. Brazil over the past couple of years have become more defensive, and haven’t allowed their flair players to showcase their abilities.
Stay At Manchester City
Of course, the final realistic choice that Guardiola could end up making is to stay with Manchester City. He has loved the four years that he has spent at the Citizens, and he has held power at the Etihad more so than he has at every other club he has been at.
The set-up is in place for the dominance to continue with Ferran Soriano and Txiki Bergiristain both brought into the club to help the Citizens dominate under Guardiola. If Guardiola decides to stay in club football and not take time off when his contract comes to an end, then City could be the obvious choice. However, a final decision could depend on whether their ban from European competitions is upheld.
