Luis Enrique drops hint over Pep Guardiola’s next role amid uncertain Man City future

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Luis Enrique has tipped Pep Guardiola to succeed him as Spain boss in a hint about the Manchester City head coach’s future. Guardiola has two years remaining on his contract and there have been rumours that he will depart when his deal ends in the summer of 2023. 

City have enjoyed one of the most successful spells in their history under Guardiola’s management. 

They have won three of the last four Premier League titles. The Spaniard has also guided them to four consecutive EFL Cups and an FA Cup.  

A first Champions League since 2013 still eludes Guardiola, though. City reached their first final in the competition in May but lost an all-Premier League showdown against Chelsea.  

The 50-year-old apparently hinted last month that he will leave City and suggested that his next job will be with a national team. 

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“A national team, yes. Next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility. A national team is the next step,” Guardiola said at an XP Investimentos event, as per Globo.   

“I must take a break after seven years (at City). I need to stop and see, learn from other coaches, and maybe take that path. 

“I would like to train for a European Championship, a Copa America, a World Cup.”

Now, Spain head coach Enrique has said that his friend would one day be ‘perfect’ to replace him as the La Roja’s new boss. 

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“I’d love that, I wish [Guardiola] was the Spain coach. I’d love it – it would be perfect,” the former Barcelona coach said when asked about Guardiola’s future.  

“What’s more, I’d love to see our national team with his stamp on them.

“I don’t think Spain could have a better coach.”

Spain are enduring a slightly difficult spell on the international stage, despite reaching the semi-final of Euro 2020. They have now not won a major tournament since 2012. 

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However, Guardiola poured cold water on reports that he could leave City in 2023.  

The former Bayern Munich head coach has insisted that he is not thinking beyond his current deal at the club.  

“I am not thinking to leave after two years,” Guardiola said in a press conference two weeks ago. 

“I can leave in two months if the results aren’t good or the organisation isn’t happy with me. I can leave in three months or five years. 

“What I said is after my period at City I will take a break. It can be in one month, two years, five years. Right now I don’t have reasons to leave.”
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