Pep Guardiola responds to England manager speculation

Man City boss Guardiola has been linked with the vacant England job after Gareth Southgate’s departure

Pep Guardiola has a year remaining on his Man City contract (PA Wire)

Pep Guardiola insists he is committed to Manchester City as England continue their search for a new manager.

The Football Association is recruiting for Gareth Southgate’s successor after he stepped down following last month’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.

The August 2 deadline for applications has now passed with Guardiola insisting he is happy at Premier League champions City with a season left to run on his contract.

Guardiola told reporters during City’s pre-season tour of the United States: “I am here, I am really pleased. I cannot say anything. I don’t know where it has come from. I am really satisfied here.

“I am desperate for when the players are ready to come back to start to train all together and refresh what we have to do.”

Guardiola’s comments come at the end of a week that saw two other high-profile candidates to replace Southgate distance themselves from the England job.

Pep Guardiol has been hugely successful at Man City (PA Wire)

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe stated that he has not received any official contact from the FA while former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ruled himself out of contention.

Howe has been one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the role, with England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley and former Chelsea and Brighton coach Graham Potter also leading contenders.

It was reported that the FA would consider an interim option if it meant Guardiola would take charge of England once his City contract expires next summer.