Pep Guardiola's immediate response after England approach him over manager's job

Pep Guardiola has been approached by the FA over taking the England job once he leaves Manchester City, but the Spaniard is yet to make a decision on his future

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

Guardiola has emerged as the prime candidate for the FA. The Spanish manager, who has guided Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles and is considered 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's 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, Guardiola is considering signing a 12-month extension to his City contract. While City would prefer a longer commitment, they would be thrilled if he agrees 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 a viable option, Guardiola is interested in managing a national team, reports the Mirror.

Fortunately for any national association interested in hiring him, Guardiola acknowledges that he will earn less money than at the club level. Currently, there is no deadline for the Spaniard as he considers his options.

He could even end up taking a sabbatical if he leaves City in the summer, as he did when he quit Barcelona in 2012 and moved to New York. Guardiola will remain at the top of the FA's list until he rules himself out of the running.

That is something he is yet to do though. When asked about his future on Sunday, Guardiola said on 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."

Guardiola would appear to have the backing of current interim Carsley, who insisted the FA should hire a 'world-class coach'. Carsley led the Three Lions to a win over Finland on Sunday but hinted he will not take the job permanently.

"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 said.

"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."