Pep Guardiola – CaughtOffside

Video: Man City’s Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out taking the England job

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:46 +0000

Ahead of Man City’s pre-season tour, Pep Guardiola was asked about rumours connecting him with the England job.

With Gareth Southgate having resigned after England’s Euro 2024 final loss against Spain, the Football Association have to get the next appointment spot on.

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It’s easy to understand why Guardiola would be the choice of many, and whilst he intimated that he was happy at City and looking forward to the new season, he didn’t specifically rule out taking the England job in the future.

?? "I'm really happy here"

Pep Guardiola insists he is only focused on Manchester City after being linked with the vacant England manager role ?? pic.twitter.com/o24zlUagGS

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2024

Pictures from Sky Sports News

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Huge boost for Man City as Pep Guardiola confirms key player is staying at the club

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:20:34 +0000

Ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Man City manager, Pep Guardiola, has been handed a huge boost.

The Cityzens will once again be the team to beat, with Pep looking to ensure an unprecedented fifth English top-flight title in a row is landed.

Were that remarkable feat achieved it will surely never be toppled, and it would put the Catalan absolutely in the conversation as being the best ever Premier League manager.

Pep Guardiola can count on De Bruyne next season

Sir Alex Ferguson leads that particular argument at present purely because of his longevity and amount of titles, however, Guardiola can legitimately claim that he changed the face of English football in terms of the way in which the game is understood and played.

One of the reasons that the Catalan has been able to stay at the very top of his game is because of players such as Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian playmaker has long been the talisman for his side, however, it was felt that he would be moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer after allegedly receiving a mind-boggling financial package.

According to transfer expert and CaughtOffside columnist, Fabrizio Romano, De Bruyne will now actually be staying at City.

?? BREAKING: Pep Guardiola has just confirmed that Kevin de Bruyne will NOT sign for Saudi Pro League this summer.

“No, Kevin is NOT leaving”, Pep says.

Fake news, as clarified yesterday. ??? pic.twitter.com/xqrraOCuNU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2024

Despite his advancing years – De Bruyne has just turned 33 – he is the beating heart of the current City side, and has clearly prioritised the quality of football and opponent over enjoying the untold riches that would be available to him were he to move to Saudi.

Perhaps in a year’s time, when Guardiola himself is likely to leave the current English champions, will be a more appropriate time for De Bruyne to finally accede to the overtures from the Pro League, but until then, City fans can enjoy him for a few more months yet.

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England encouraged to appoint Pep Guardiola following Gareth Southgate’s exit

Ahad Shaukat — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:27:18 +0000

Following the conclusion of Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate quit as the manager of the England team.

Southgate had guided the Three Lions to two finals of the Euros and a World Cup semifinal.

However, he was unfortunate to end England’s trophy drought on all occasions.

With the FA now planning for the future, they have reportedly identified Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe as the managers to replace Southgate.

The name of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also been linked with the England job as the Spaniard is nearing the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

According to former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas, the Three Lions should be hopeful about appointing the six-time Premier League winning manager.

He told Mirror Football:

“Pep’s the number one candidate in my mind because he’s Catalan. He’s not going to manage Spain, I wouldn’t have thought.

Pep Guardiola is being linked with the England job.

England need a manager like Pep Guardiola

He is an attack minded manager and that is the approach that the Three Lions need in order to fully reach the potential of the talented players available in the squad.

Despite his fine performances, it is widely believed that Southgate had a conservative approach that held the team from playing attacking football.

Guardiola has the experience in the game, he has what it takes to improve the level of young players and with the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and others at his disposal, he would love the opportunity to manage them and help them reach their true potential.

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Exclusive: €45m-rated left-back remains an option for Liverpool despite Premier League interest

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:52:42 +0000

As the new Premier League season begins to peak over the horizon, so Liverpool and their English top-flight rivals will start to shape their squads for 2024/25.

Those players who have been involved in the European Championship or Copa America won’t be back in training for a while now, but many first-team players have already returned to their respective clubs for pre-season.

Within a fortnight, many will be expected to have departed for overseas tours when, ideally, most clubs will have done the majority of their transfer business.

Liverpool enquire about Rayan Ait-Nouri

Indeed, Liverpool begin a tour of America on July 27 with a game against Real Betis in Pittsburgh.

By then it should be known whether they’ve managed to land Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 23-year-old Algerian left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri.

According to CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of the situation, Ait-Nouri also remains an option for the Reds Premier League opponents, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The player is apparently open to leaving the Midlands-based outfit if he receives an acceptable offer in terms of length of contract and remuneration.

Rayan Ait-Nouri to Liverpool?

From Wolves’ point of view, they have set a price tag of around €45m for Ait-Nouri and don’t intend to allow the Algerian to leave for anything less.

The situation as it stands currently, according to CaughtOffside sources, is that representatives from those Premier League clubs mentioned have already met with Wolves to gather information about the player and understand all of the conditions required to be met in order for a deal to progress to completion.

As of this moment none have made a move, though should Liverpool do so for example, Andrew Robertson is likely to be one player that might be looking over his shoulder from next season onwards.

If Ait-Nouri signs, he’ll surely expect to be first choice, and that’s bound to put Robertson’s nose out of joint.

Ditto if the player ends up at either the Etihad Stadium or Stamford Bridge.

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Opinion: Pep Guardiola will tarnish his legacy forever if he takes the England job

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:44:40 +0000

Alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola is arguably the best manager that English football has ever seen.

In terms of legacy, it could be argued that the Catalan will have left more of a mark on the game in this country more generally than Fergie, whose fingerprints are all over Old Trafford.

Both masters of their craft, Guardiola has seen a shift in how football is played in both Spanish and German football too.

Pep Guardiola must reject England job if offered

His legacy isn’t in question, but news that the Football Association are prepared to wait a year for him in order that he becomes the long term replacement for Gareth Southgate (Independent) threatens that.

The job is a poisoned chalice.

It’s taken the best part of six decades for English football to be considered back amongst the elite internationally, but even then the country has had to be content with second best – at best.

Pep Guardiola has been touted as Gareth Southgate’s replacement for England

Forever the bridesmaid, always the bride.

The mentality at international level in England is all wrong, and that can be seen by how supposed world-beating players for their individual clubs turn into average players for the Three Lions.

Two cases in point during Euro 2024 were Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

Lauded by the press as being amongst England’s best players, apart from a couple of goals the pair did nothing all tournament.

Pep would have to change the entire culture at St. George’s Park, and the staid and stuffy executives at the FA aren’t for turning.

If he wants to preserve what is a richly deserved legacy, then he simply has no choice. He cannot accept the overtures from an increasingly desperate Football Association who are light years behind their European counterparts.

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England want iconic Premier League manager as Gareth Southgate’s successor

Ahad Shaukat — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:48:11 +0000

Gareth Southgate left his role as the manager of England after losing the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Southgate leaves the England job having taken the Three Lions to two Euro finals and a World Cup semifinal.

However, England lost in the latter stages of all the tournaments and their wait to win their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup continue.

Now the focus has switched to Southgate’s successor as the Football Association are considering their targets and planning for future.

According to Independent, England are willing to appoint an interim manager for a year in order to appoint Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola next summer.

Guardiola is leading City into his ninth season as manager and the Spaniard has enjoyed success consistently with the Premier League giants.

His contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of next season and that has encouraged England to appoint him in 2025.

The FA are reportedly prepared to wait for the Spaniard, and City fear the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager might depart the team next summer.

Appointing the legendary Man City manager would be ideal for England as he would provide them with the attacking approach that they lacked under Southgate.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola is being linked with the England job.

England target wants success with a national team

Guardiola was asked earlier this year what he had left to achieve in the game, the Spaniard told ESPN:

“A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.

“I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that. I don’t know when that would be, if that is five, 10, 15 years from now but I would like to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup.”

That should encourage the Three Lions in their dream to appoint the six-time Premier League winning manager.

Man City contingent in the England team; Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker would love the opportunity to have their club manager leading them for their country.

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Man City in advanced talks with exciting Spain talent as release clause deadline approaches

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:26:47 +0000

No sooner has the European Championship concluded than Man City have advanced in talks for one of Spain’s exciting forward talents.

Pep Guardiola will be looking to achieve an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row in 2024/25, and in order to do so, a freshening up of his incredible squad is a necessity.

That City, like Pep’s Bayern and Barca before them, are strengthening whilst they’re at the top of their game says much about the right way to go about securing the evolution of a winning team.

Despite ostensibly being the best club side in the world, Guardiola will not settle in his quest for absolute footballing perfection.

City’s players, some of the best in their position across the globe, therefore can’t settle and get comfortable as there’s always someone champing at the bit to replace them.

We only need look at how difficult things have been lately for £100m signing, Jack Grealish, to get an idea as to the standards that Guardiola demands week in and week out.

Man City advancing in Dani Olmo talks

If Dani Olmo signs on at the Etihad Stadium, he’ll understand what’s required from the get go, and Football Insider suggest that City are in advanced talks with the player.

The Premier League champions will need to get a move on if they want to land him with the minimum of fuss, however.

??? Key detail on Dani Olmo: following Spain access to Euro 2024 final, the release clause will be valid until July 20 and no longer July 15.

There was this specific factor on the clause due to the Euros, now formally approved.

Clause worth €60m, several clubs interested. pic.twitter.com/Xqt0wPIHJo

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2024

His release clause was believed to end the day after the European Championship final, though it’s understood that there has been a short extension until July 20.

If nothing has been agreed by that date, then City will have to enter into difficult negotiations with RB Leipzig and arguably at a much higher price than his current reported (Mirror) £50m release fee.

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Manchester City rival Barcelona for potential transfer of classy Euro 2024 star

Mark Brus — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:55:10 +0000

Manchester City are reportedly emerging as a potential destination for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo in this summer’s transfer window.

The Spain international is in superb form at the moment, playing a key role for his country in their run to the final of Euro 2024, and it’s not surprising to see plenty of transfer rumours about him now as top clubs seemingly circle for a potential deal.

How to buy tickets for England vs Spain

According to Spanish outlet AS, Man City are the latest contender to sign Olmo this summer, though earlier today the 26-year-old was also linked with Barcelona by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg via his official account on X…

?? Nico Williams remains a serious target for @FCBarcelona this summer!

At this stage, Barca need to sell players first. But Hansi Flick would love to sign him as reported. Talks took place.

Dani Olmo, he’s also on the list of Barcelona. But both with different profiles.… pic.twitter.com/jYgZ8Omizw

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 11, 2024

Olmo looks like he could be an ideal signing for Man City, who might perhaps do well to bring in fresh blood in the attacking midfield department, as he could be an upgrade on the underwhelming Jack Grealish.

Olmo could also be a smart signing to come in as a long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva, who is turning 30 next month and who has been facing something of an uncertain future in recent times as the Daily Star have linked him with Bayern Munich, while PSG have also been mentioned as possible suitors by 90min.

Man City join the race to sign Newcastle United forward this summer

CJ — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 12:43:09 +0000

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon this summer, according to reports.

Gordon joined the Magpies from Everton in January 2023 and after a slow start at the club — scoring just one goal in his first 16 Premier League appearances — he exploded into life last season, registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 outings across all competitions.

That return was enough to convince Gareth Southgate to take the 23-year-old to Germany as part of England’s squad for Euro 2024 — playing one match at the tournament so far.

More than that, Gordon’s form on Tyneside has sparked serious speculation regarding his future at the club, with Liverpool reportedly already tabling bids.

Manchester City to join the race for Gordon?

According to Football Insider, four-in-a-row Premier League champions Manchester City have now registered their interest in Gordon.

Their report states that Liverpool are faltering in their approach due to Newcastle’s high demands, which could now open the door for City, with Pep Guardiola understood to want a “lethal” forward signed this summer.

Gordon won’t come cheap, with his current deal at St. James’ Park set to run through June 2026. However, City may well need to future-proof their forward line, with Kevin De Bruyne entering the final year of his contract and doubts over the futures of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish.

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“Getting messy” – Former EPL chief exec weighs in on Man City’s fight with the Premier League

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:47:09 +0000

Over the past few seasons, Man City have been far and away the best team in the Premier League, and the club finally broke their Champions League duck in an epic treble-winning campaign.

Pep Guardiola is relentless in his pursuit of perfection, and his teams are often a joy to watch.

Unfortunately, for the Catalan manager, his players and the club’s hierarchy, including Sheikh Mansour, there is the small matter of 115 separate charges hanging over them for alleged misdemeanours.

Man City’s Premier League fight is hotting up – CEO

Of course, the club are absolutely innocent until proven guilty, though if the latter scenario were to come to pass, it would throw a whole new light onto their successes of the past few seasons.

The world of football is awaiting the outcome, and former Everton chief executive, Keith Wyness, believes that things could be really hotting up behind the scenes.

“It’s gone quiet, and to me – that suggests a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations,” he said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

Man City are still under investigation by the Premier League

“In both parties’ interest, it’s best to try and use private channels to find a way through this.

“I know there will be pressure from outside sources, like governments – for example.

“We’re thirsty for information, but I’m guessing there is still a lot of jockeying going on. It’s getting messy, certainly, with governments now involved. The real heavyweights are trying to sort something out now.

“What sort of deal can be struck behind the scenes? I don’t know. But some of the best brains in football, government and legal will be working on this problem.

“Watch this space – it’s gone deathly quiet.”

The fact that the hearing is expected to take place across six weeks in November and December, towards the back end of the Champions League group stages, could cause significant embarrassment or disruption to the club, and there’s a cogent argument that the same should’ve taken place out of season.

For now, the status quo remains, and City will be hoping at the conclusion of the hearing that nothing has changed.

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