‘I don’t know where it has come from’ - Pep Guardiola reacts to speculation about becoming England's manager

The Football Association is currently choosing a new permanent manager in the wake of Gareth Southgate's departure from the England national team following their loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Guardiola has apparently been connected to the Three Lions position because the FA is reportedly eager to name an international coach. 

Pep Guardiola, who led City to a record fourth successive Premier League triumph last season, has one year left on his contract and is anticipated to leave the club next year. But when questioned about the possibility of leading the Three Lions in the future, Guardiola quickly distanced himself from the role. Pep Guardiola believes he is dedicated to Manchester City while England look for a new manager.

Since Fabio Capello left England in 2012, the national team has not been led by a foreign coach. During his eight years in command of the national team, Gareth Southgate guided them to two World Cup semifinals and a quarterfinal, as well as the final of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024. 

During Manchester City's preseason tour of the United States, Guardiola said to reporters, “I am here, I am really pleased. I cannot say anything. I don’t know where it has come from. I am really satisfied here. “I am desperate for when the players are ready to come back to start to train all together and refresh what we have to do,” as per The Independent.

Two mangers are leading candidates for becoming England's manager

Guardiola's comments follow a week in which two other high-profile possibilities for Southgate's replacement distanced themselves from the England position. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe revealed that he has not got any formal contact from the FA, while former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ruled himself out of contention. England U21 coach Lee Carsley and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are also among the leading candidates to become the Three Lions' 16th permanent manager.

Following their match against Chelsea in Ohio on Saturday evening. Guardiola and his team will travel to England for the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium next week.