Pep Guardiola: Former Barcelona boss wants to manage in England

 

Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has spoken for the first time of his desire to take on the "challenge" of managing an English club in the future.

Guardiola, who guided Barca to 14 trophies in four seasons at the Nou Camp, is looking for a new job.

The 41-year-old said: "As a player I couldn't realise my dream to play there [in England]."

"But I hope in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there."

Pep Guardiola factfile

  • Born: 18 January 1971 in Santpedor, Spain.
  • Playing career: Barcelona B (1990-92), Barcelona (1990-2001), Brescia (2001-02), Roma (2002-03), Brescia (2003), Al-Ahli (2003-05), Dorados (2005-06), Spain (1992-2001).
  • International caps: 47
  • Managerial career: Barcelona B (2007-08), Barcelona (2008-2012)
  • Honours (as manager): 3 La Liga titles, 3 Supercopa de Espana titles, 2 Copa Del Rey titles, 2 Champions League titles, 2 Uefa Super Cups, 2 Fifa World Club Cups.
  • Honours (as player): 6 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, 1 Supercopa de Espana, 1 European Cup, 2 Uefa Super Cups, 1 Uefa Cup Winners' Cup, 1 Olympic gold medal.

His comments will alert Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, who are all believed to be monitoring Guardiola's position.

It comes after Jose Mourinho expressed his desire to return to England  when his time at Real Madrid comes to an end.

Guardiola added: "It is unique, to play in that league. I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players and everything.

"I am still young, just 41, so I hope in the future I could be able to train there and enjoy that.

"I've always found English football very fascinating, just for the environment, the crowd and the supporters.

"The support of the home team is amazing. In Italy, Latin people will support you when they are playing and when you lose, they kill you.

"In England, I'm always surprised that people always support everything and that is nice.

"That's why, maybe, I hope to have the challenge or the opportunity to train there."

Guardiola is currently living in New York with his family after deciding to take a one-year sabbatical from football.

But, speaking at Fifa's Ballon D'Or ceremony earlier in January, he confirmed that he would return to management for the 2013-14 season.

Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also been linked with a move for the Spaniard, who stood down as head coach at Barcelona in the summer of 2012.

In a video message recorded for the Football Association's 150th anniversary, Guardiola congratulated the FA on reaching the landmark, saying the organisation has "been important in the development of our beautiful, beautiful game."