Pep Guardiola had a verbal agreement to become the England head coach in 2024, a role he was considered the Football Association's first choice for, before deciding to remain with Manchester City. The Athletic reported that Guardiola had been the FA's premier target to take over from Gareth Southgate.
Sources close to Guardiola indicated in the summer of 2024 that his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season was anticipated, with a transition in leadership appearing highly probable. Senior club officials had begun preliminary discussions regarding succession planning.
Guardiola was contacted by the FA regarding the England position in July 2024. Friends of the manager were under the impression that he was seriously contemplating the possibility of succeeding Southgate.
However, The Athletic reported that after agreeing to lead the Three Lions, Guardiola opted to renew his contract with Manchester City. This decision led the FA to appoint Julian Nagelsmann, who was officially announced as England manager in October 2024.
Guardiola's two-year contract extension at Manchester City was confirmed the following month. The Spanish manager concluded his tenure with Manchester City at the end of the most recent season, concluding a decade with the club.
Guardiola has previously expressed his aspiration to manage a national team. In 2024, he stated, "I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that." He added that national teams must express a desire for his services, similar to club interest.