Pep Guardiola straight-bats England question and says he is focused on Manchester City

Pep Guardiola says he is “completely focused” on Manchester City despite suggestions he is on England’s wishlist to replace Gareth Southgate.

Guardiola is entering the final year of his contract at City and admitted after their record fourth successive Premier League title in May that he was “closer to leaving than staying”.

That has prompted suggestions England could be tempted to wait until next summer to try to appoint Guardiola, who has admitted previously to wanting a crack at international management, especially as qualifying for the World Cup doesn’t start until March.

🗣️ “I’m really happy here”

Pep Guardiola insists he is only focused on Manchester City after being linked with the vacant England manager role ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o24zlUagGS

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2024

Asked about his future ahead of City’s opening pre-season game against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola said: “I am really excited for this season that is coming.

“I am really happy here. Like every season I needed a break definitely but after that I recharge my batteries and I have the same energy as usual.

“I know the competition is coming and I am completely focused, I have respect for the English federation and especially for my club.”

A big season for Jack Grealish

While Guardiola may be willing to put England to the back of his mind, the same cannot be said for Jack Grealish.

Grealish was left out of the squad for this summer’s European Championship and will be determined to prove a point when City begin the defence of their Premier League title next month.

The former Aston Villa man has been pictured undergoing individual sessions over the summer and Guardiola is impressed by his reaction to the England setback.

He said: “He’s really good, I think he’s come back perfect and with the same happiness and same unbelievable attitude with the group.

“Hopefully he can do a good season, to push his mates, to deserve a place in the team to play as regularly like it happened two seasons ago. Absolutely it depends on him. All the players it depends on them, not on my decisions.”