Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he decided not to renew his contract with the German champions because he wants to manage in the Premier League.
The former Barcelona boss will leave the German champions at the end of the season, and while the expectations are that he will join Manchester City, Guardiola insists he has not made a decision on his next club.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday he said:
‘The reason I have not extended my contract is simple. I want to manage in the Premier League.
I want to experience the atmosphere there and look forward to the stages there. I’m 44, it’s the right moment to go there. If I were 60 or 65 I would’ve stayed, but I think I am too young.
‘I haven’t decided on a new club yet – I need a new challenge.’
Carlo Ancelotti has been announced as the new Bayern Munich head coach and will take over at the end of the season, putting City, Chelsea, Man United and possibly Arsenal on high alert.
But even if one of England’s top clubs do land Guardiola as expected, I found his comments about not staying at any club for too long really interesting:
‘I want new stadiums, cities and restaurants to know,’ he said. ‘Three years is enough in a club. I’m not a coach of 30 years staying at a club.’
‘I will not take any players with me to England. They must stay here.’
Although his exit has been confirmed, Pep is well aware that despite winning back-to-back Bundesliga crowns, as well as the German Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup his three years in Munich will not be deemed a success unless he wins the European Cup this season.
‘Of course I want to win [the Champions League this season] with Bayern. But it is not easy. I’ve lost in 51 games only once. That’s worth more than the Champions League. I’ll never reach again.
Where do you think Guardiola ends up next season? Is it set in stone that he is going to Manchester City? Or could one of the London clubs hijack that move?
