Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed to take over English Premier League side Manchester City next season, with his contract at the German club set to expire in the summer
Rumours about former FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola moving to the Premier League have been floated about for a while now, with beIN SPORTS reporting that the Spaniard had agreed to take over at Manchester City in 2016 even before the season had started.
With Bayern flying in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, it was believed that the 44-year-old could extend his stay at the club, but contract talks have thus far not resulted in a decision either way. However, according to reports in Spain, that could well be because Guardiola has set his sights on England.
Guardiola set to take over at Manchester City next summer
The stories regarding the future of Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola have seen many twists and turns thus far, but it is the first time the Barcelona media have reported it with such conviction.
Pep Guardiola to take over at Manchester City next season, claim reports in Spain . https://t.co/JtGDFxs2on (Pic: EPA) pic.twitter.com/JbW0FkcBEN
a Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) November 26, 2015
A report on Catalan radio station Cadena COPE’s website read (via the Guardian): “Pep Guardiola will leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season and will train Manchester City next season. Guardiola has decided on a change of scenery. He considers his time in Germany will end on 30 June after three seasons and, therefore, fulfil one of his wishes: to coach in England.”
The report also claims former Chelsea FC boss Carlo Ancelotti is the favourite to replace the Spaniard at Bayern Munich if the move does eventually go through.
Guardiola to City promises to be one of the most exciting managerial moves in recent times
Pep Guardiola moving to Manchester City would be an excellent move from the point of view of the Premier League and its ever-growing popularity. The Spaniard is arguably one of the best managers in the world at the moment, and many have wondered whether he can implement his philosophy in the less technical, more physical Premier League.
There is also, of course, the small matter of his rivalry with Chelsea FC boss Jos Mourinho, who has already established himself as one of the greatest managers in the history of the English top division. It would be interesting to see how the Portuguese reacts to Guardiola’s arrival on the turf he has ruled for much of his time in England, and whether the challenge City will pose brings out the best in him.