United, City and Chelsea could have their contrasting choice of two of football’s most wanted managers
Pep Guardiola last night signalled he is ready to go head to head with Jose Mourinho in the Premier League as he admitted he wants to coach in England too.
The former Barcelona boss has already said he plans to end his 12-month New York “sabbatical” this summer, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all linked with the 41-year-old.
And 24 hours after Mourinho revealed his enduring “love” for football in this country, Guardiola expressed similar sentiments over his desire to prove himself in English football.
“As a player, I couldn’t realise my dream to play there in England,” Guardiola said in a video interview to mark today’s launch of the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
“But I hope in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there.
“It is unique to play in the Premier 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.”
Guardiola added: “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 I hope to have the challenge or the opportunity to train there.”
Guardiola has happy memories of both Wembley stadiums, winning the last European Cup Final at the old one in 1992 before his Barca side handed United a masterclass at the new home of English football in 2011.
He recalled: “It was a huge honour to play at the old Wembley and a real pleasure to manage at the new Wembley.
“I am a lucky guy, because I had the opportunity to play two finals, both in England at Wembley and that’s why my relationship with England is pretty close. The FA created the rules of football and have a responsibility for our beautiful, beautiful game.”