Roy Keane.(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))

Roy Keane calls on FA to appoint Pep Guardiola as next England manager

Roy Keane has called on the FA to appoint 'the best' as they search for Gareth Southgate's permanent replacement.

14 Oct 2024, 09:12 by Oisin Doherty · Irish Mirror

Roy Keane has called on the FA to go all out and try to convince Pep Guardiola to be the next England manager.

Lee Carsley has been in charge of the side on an interim basis ever since Gareth Southgate's departure following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, and while the 40-times capped Irish international has hinted that he would be interested in the job, last week's 2-1 Wembley defeat to Greece has done little to help his chances.

While working for ITV on last night's 3-1 win for England over Finland, Keane called on the FA to do everything they could to hire 'the best' manager available, and believes that the higher-ups at St George's Park should be getting onto current Manchester City boss Guardiola with his contract set to expire next Summer.

"Go after Pep Guardiola, go for the best. Pep's contract is up the summer," said Keane.

"The FA have to go for the best guy, I don't know if finances will play a part in it.

"If Lee obviously rules himself, and isn't interested, and that seems to be the noises coming out, then the FA better get busy and get the right man."

For Guardiola's part, the legendary manager has done little to quell rumours that he is bound for the England job. In an interview with Che Tempo Che Fa, the City boss was coy when asked about his future, saying 'anything can happen in life.'

"I haven't finished my career at Manchester City yet, I still have to think about it," said the three-time Champions League winning manager.

"It's not true that I'll be the England coach. I haven't decided anything yet, if I had decided my future at Manchester City I would say so, anything can happen in life."

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