Pep Guardiola 'makes decision' over England job after FA approach Man City boss

Pep Guardiola is considering his options after being approached by the Football Association over the England job, with the Manchester City manager's contract set to expire this summer

Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, is contemplating extending his contract at the club despite being approached to take over the England senior team. The Football Association (FA) is on the hunt for a long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, with interim boss Lee Carsley returning to the Under-21s.

Guardiola has emerged as the top choice for FA chiefs. The Spaniard, who has guided Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles and is one of football's most influential coaches, has a contract at the Etihad Stadium that expires at the end of the season.

This situation has caught the attention of England bosses, who have approached him about taking over the Three Lions once he departs City. However, it seems Guardiola is keeping his options open.

As per the Daily Telegraph, the Spaniard is considering signing a 12-month extension to his City contract. While City would prefer him to sign for a longer period, they would be thrilled if he commits to an additional 12 months.

Guardiola last extended his contract in November 2022, which took him up to 2025, but if he stays at City, it is expected to be for a shorter term. Although staying at City is very much an option, Guardiola is interested in managing a national team, reports the Mirror.

Fortunately for any national association keen on appointing him as their manager, Guardiola acknowledges he will earn less money than at the club level. Currently, there is no deadline for the Spaniard as he considers his options.

If he departs City in the summer, there's a chance he might take a break from football, as he did when he left Barcelona in 2012 and relocated to New York.

Until Guardiola explicitly removes himself from consideration, he'll remain at the top of the FA's wishlist. However, he hasn't done that yet.

When questioned about his future on Sunday, Guardiola told Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: "Leaving City? It's not true, I haven't decided yet. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it... I don't know either, anything can happen."

It seems that current interim boss Carsley supports Guardiola, stating that the FA should appoint a 'world-class coach'. After leading the Three Lions to victory over Finland on Sunday, Carsley hinted that he doesn't plan to take on the role full-time.

"I've not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I'm happy with that. This is a privileged position. I'm really enjoying it but I didn't enjoy the last two days. I'm not used to losing in an England team, I don't take losing well," he admitted. .

"People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I'm in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."