Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as head coach of the Brazil national team has shaken up the global football landscape. Many voices around the world have expressed surprise at such an unexpected move in today’s game, signaling a new era for CONMEBOL soccer. Across the Atlantic Ocean, as he prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City, Pep Guardiola isn’t ruling out following in Ancelotti’s footsteps.
“I’d love to be in a World Cup, a European Championship, or a Copa América,” Guardiola told Reuters after a challenging season in the English Premier League—one that at times nearly saw City miss out on the next UEFA Champions League. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has always been clear: his next step won’t involve another club.
Let’s not forget that before Brazil finalized the hiring of Ancelotti, Guardiola was widely rumored as a top contender for the job. In the end, Manchester City managed to secure a key contract renewal with Pep, ensuring continuity in their ambitious project as they aim to rise again in this year’s Premier League. Guardiola doesn’t rule out following Carletto’s path, but he made it clear that he doesn’t miss him one bit.
“It’s something I’ve always thought about. But it depends on a lot of things. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, that’s perfectly fine too. I’m very happy for him. And I’m especially happy he’s no longer in Madrid because he always beats me. I’m glad I won’t have to deal with that anymore,” Guardiola said, reflecting on what has become one of the most surprising managerial moves ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
For now, Guardiola is preparing for another season with Manchester City. New signings are starting to roll in as the team looks to compete for everything once again. The Catalan’s current contract runs through the summer of 2027, and by then, we may see whether Pep really does decide to follow in Carletto’s footsteps.
