Pep Guardiola was reportedly close to becoming England’s head coach in 2024 before making a dramatic change of heart that ultimately kept him at Manchester City and forced the Football Association to pursue another candidate.
England Identified Guardiola as Top Candidate
When the Football Association began searching for Gareth Southgate’s successor, Guardiola emerged as its preferred choice.
Reports indicate that the governing body viewed the highly decorated Spanish coach as the ideal figure to lead England into a new era, making him its primary target during the recruitment process.
Discussions between the FA and Guardiola reportedly took place during the summer of 2024 as the search for a world-class replacement gathered momentum.
Verbal Agreement Reportedly Reached
According to reports, Guardiola and the Football Association reached a verbal agreement over him becoming England manager.
The prospect of taking charge of the national team was said to be one he seriously considered, with people close to the manager believing international football had become an increasingly attractive next step in his coaching career.
The opportunity would have marked Guardiola’s first role outside club football since beginning his managerial journey.
Manchester City Future Took Unexpected Turn
Despite expectations that Guardiola would conclude his time at Manchester City, the situation changed before any official appointment was announced.
Throughout 2024, there had been widespread belief that Guardiola’s celebrated spell at the Etihad Stadium was nearing its conclusion.
Senior figures within the club had reportedly begun considering long-term succession plans, while those close to the manager anticipated that a departure at the end of the campaign was becoming increasingly likely.
Instead, Guardiola opted to remain with the Premier League champions by agreeing to a new two-year contract extension, overturning earlier expectations of his exit.
FA Switched Focus to Thomas Tuchel
Guardiola’s decision to stay in Manchester left the Football Association needing an alternative option.
The FA ultimately appointed Thomas Tuchel as England manager, confirming his arrival in October 2024 after Guardiola’s continued commitment to Manchester City effectively ended any possibility of the Spaniard taking charge of the Three Lions.
Only a month later, Manchester City officially announced Guardiola’s contract extension.
A Historic Era at City Eventually Came to an End
Although Guardiola prolonged his stay, his remarkable tenure with Manchester City eventually concluded at the end of last season.
His departure closed a decade-long chapter that transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces, with multiple domestic titles and major trophies cementing his legacy as one of the most successful managers in English football history.
Guardiola Has Long Expressed Interest in International Football
The reported negotiations with England align with Guardiola’s previously stated ambition to coach on the international stage.
Speaking in 2024, Guardiola revealed that managing a national team at either the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship remained one of his career goals.
He also acknowledged that such opportunities depend on whether a football association is willing to appoint him, much like the hiring process at club level.
What Comes Next?
With his Manchester City chapter now over, Guardiola’s future remains one of football’s biggest talking points.
Given his longstanding interest in international management and the reported discussions with England in 2024, speculation is likely to continue over whether another national team will eventually secure the services of one of the game’s most accomplished coaches.
Summary
Reports claim Pep Guardiola was on the verge of becoming England manager in 2024 after reaching a verbal agreement with the Football Association.
However, he reportedly reversed course by signing a new Manchester City contract, prompting the FA to appoint Thomas Tuchel instead.
Although Guardiola later ended his decade-long spell at City, his previously stated ambition to manage a national team means an international coaching role could still feature in his future.
