The FA are now willing to take an intriguing step to hire Pep Guardiola as the brand-new England boss.
In 2017, Guardiola ruled out his chance of ever managing the Three Lions in the future — stressing that English managers should manage the national team.
However, Guillem Balague suggested that the Catalan may have had a change of heart – as he revealed that taking the England job after leaving Manchester City is on his mind in December last year.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Pep Guardiola will decide his future at City between the months of December and February.
What the FA are plotting to appoint Pep Guardiola as England manager
Since Fabio Capello’s time in charge, the FA have steered clear from appointing any foreign managers.
Stuart Pearce was England’s caretaker manager after the Italian’s sacking, as Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate proceeded to take over the helm.
However, Guardiola’s potential availability would be one that would perhaps prompt the decision-makers to bring in a non-English manager to lead the country’s national team.
As per a report by The Independent, the FA are willing to appoint an interim manager to take over the England job until Pep Guardiola sees out his contract at Manchester City until 2025.
While the FA’s first priority is not to wait for any manager, Guardiola is considered as an “outstanding candidate” who would prompt them to reconsider their policy of not waiting for any manager.
Currently, England U-21 boss Lee Carsley is viewed as a candidate who would be ready to take on the senior side.
If Pep Guardiola is unwilling to take the job or decides to stay put at Manchester City, a successful spell as interim boss could lead to Carsley being given the job permanently.
Pep Guardiola should stay at Man City rather than managing England
If given the choice, Guardiola should continue to manage City rather taking on the England job.
The £378,846-a-week man knows the Sky Blues in and out and much like Sir Alex Ferguson, he would build a similar legacy by remaining at the club for an even longer spell.
Guardiola is set to enter his ninth season as Manchester City boss.
While managing England would be an attractive prospect for any manager, with how admired Pep Guardiola is by the club’s fanbase, the decision-makers and the players, he has a chance to further cement his greatness in an environment that he knows and loves.