He refused to answer whether he had been interviewed for the role
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure as he was quizzed about the rumours linking him with the England manager job in his press conference ahead of City’s game against Wolves.
At the start of the week, he was emerging as the favourite to take charge of the Three Lions but on Wednesday, former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had been appointed as the permanent boss.
With Guardiola’s contract at City expiring next year, there was much speculation that he may walk away from the current Premier League champions in search of an international challenge.
Whether Guardiola will stay or go remains to be seen but one thing is for certain, if he decides to leave, it will not be to manage England.
In response to questions about the speculation linking him with the role Guardiola said: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager, so congratulations for the FA and Thomas for the big job. I wish England, just for the fact I am nine years here, the very best for them.”
However, the questions for the Spaniard did not stop there and he seemed to grow frustrated by the media’s fixation on his future.
He said: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager, so forget about it. I’m the manager of Manchester City, so the conversations I have are about Manchester City. This is what it is. Tuchel is the manager already, Thomas is that. This is the most important, the rest is not important.”
Guardiola confirmed he had not yet decided on his future.
Related links:
He said: “When I take it [a decision], I will inform you, for sure, 100 per cent. That’s why there is no news, and that’s why I don’t have to add absolutely anything else. My concern is only for Wolves.
“The club have never ever told me [when they want a decision on my future]. I’m pretty sure the club have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it will happen and they have to prepare. It will not be a surprise.
“I want to be really convinced it is the best for the club. I will not delay any action thinking it will be a problem for the club. They understand the problems I will have.
“If the club asks me an opinion [on my successor] I will give them an opinion. But it is not a decision for me. It has to be the club.”
The 53-year-old has spent nine years at Manchester City, steering his side to the treble in 2022/23.
In total City have won the Premier League six time, the FA Cup twice, the EFL Cup four times and the Champions League once under his tenure.