Bayern Munich coach, Pep Guardiola has finally admitted that he is quitting the German Bundesliga giant because he wants to manage in the English Premier League.
“I want to coach in England,” Guadiola disclosed in his first press conference since making the shocked announcement of his summer departure, before adding that he “has no new club yet”.
Guardiola’s departure at the end of his third season in Bavaria and his replacement by Italian Carlo Ancelotti were announced by the club on December 20.
“I have this possibility to go to England. It’s the right time. I’m still young and I need new challenges”, stressed the Spaniard, who turns 45 later this month.
Since the news of his departure hit public domain last month, speculations have been rife on the possible destination of the former Barcelona coach.
Although, Manchester City are considered as clear favourites to land Guadiola , he said he has not yet signed a contract at the Etihad Stadium.
“I have several offers from England, but I haven’t committed myself yet. When I have a new club, the club will communicate that. At the moment, nothing is fixed,” he said, opening up window of opportunity for Manchester City rivals such as Chelsea, Manchester United and possibly Arsenal to enter the bidding race for one of the most decorated coaches in world football.
Cross Country race:
Guardiola quits Barcelona in 2012 despite being the most successful coach in the club’s history during his four-year reign before signing three-year deal worth a reported 22 million euros ($24m) for Bayern in January after a brief sabbatical.
Under Guadiola, Bayern has evolved as an almost unbeatable at home, losing only two of 26 games this season and wining five trophies in the last two years although the most desired UEFA Champions league trophy has so far eluded Guardiola led Bayern.
Bayern are on course for a third straight Bundesliga title under the Catalan, having already won the German Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his spell at the Allianz Arena.
Guardiola worked with City chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain at Barcelona, where he won the Champions League twice, three La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups and two Club World Cups.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is known to be an admirer of Guardiola and will be in the market for a new manager at the end of the season after installing Guus Hiddink as a temporary replacement for Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Abramovich wanted to appoint Guardiola in 2012 when Roberto Di Matteo was sacked and the Russian is prepared to break the bank to get his man this time. It is common knowledge that his wife Cristina Serra would prefer a move to London.
Pellegrini is under contract until 2017 after signing a one-year extension in August, partly to ward off persistent speculation about Guardiola being lined up for the job.
City are third in the Premier League, through to the Champions League knockout phase as group winners for the first time, and they face Everton in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
By Olisemeka Obeche