Pep Guardiola has revealed that his decision to leave Bayern Munich is based on a desire to manage in England.
The former Barcelona coach will leave Bayern at the end of this season, with Manchester City thought to be his most likely destination.
And he has made clear that he wants a Premier League club to be the next addition to his glowing CV.
Pep Guardiola: "The reason I did not extend my contract is simple. I want to manage in the Premier League"
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 5, 2016
“I’m very happy and grateful to Bayern for the trust they’ve shown in me but I need a new challenge,” Guardiola said, although he admitted he was yet to make a final decision on his next club.
“I want to experience the atmosphere in England and I look forward to [working at] the stadiums there,” he added. “I am 44 and it is the right time.
“There are offers but I haven’t signed for anyone yet. When I have a new club I will let everyone know.”
Interestingly, Guardiola insists he will not sign any of his Bayern Munich players with him to England. “I will not take any players. They have to stay here,” he declared.
Mixed news for his suitors.
Real Madrid are thought to have approached the Catalan before appointing Zinedine Zidane, while Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the world’s most in-demand manager, but City are seen as favourites.
Manuel Pellegrini has been tipped to leave the club at the end of the current season regardless of results, and the club currently sit third in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Leicester City.
