- Pep Guardiola has once again been linked with the Brazil job
- The Spaniard’s contract at Manchester City expires this season
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly the subject of an ambitious plan to become the next Brazil manager, with an iconic former player the driving force behind the plot.
Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium has been clouded by increasing uncertainty, with the Spaniard’s contract set to expire at the end of this season.
The 53-year-old was heavily linked with the England post last month before the FA turned to German coach Thomas Tuchel, and he has previously shared his ambitions to one day coach a national team.
‘A national team,’ said Guardiola earlier this year. ‘I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.
‘When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or winning the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK. I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that.’
And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has made Guardiola the central figure of his bid to become the next president of the Brazilian federation, promising to recruit the City boss if he is elected.
Pep Guardiola is the subject of a secret plot to take over as Brazil national team coach
According to a report in Spain, Guardiola is part of a legendary player’s election bid
Ronaldo has made Guardiola a key part of his pitch for president of the Brazilian federation
The report suggests that Ronaldo would look to bring Guardiola to Brazil in 2026, one year after his City contract expires.
Before that, Ronaldo would have to rethink his personal businesses if he is to be successful in his electoral campaign. He currently owns Spanish side Real Valladolid, and would have to sell his shares in the club.
He reportedly has the backing of several key figures in Brazilian football, including former president of Corinthians Andres Sanchez.
Guardiola has been strongly connected with the Brazil job and the current president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, denied making contact with the Spaniard this week.
‘Although he is one of the greatest coaches in the world, there was no involvement from the CBF to make any contact,’ he told ESPN Brasil.
‘We’ve been working with the coaching staff led by Dorival Júnior and we’re satisfied. Yes [Dorival continues], the point is that he has a contract, the CBF has until 2026, he goes until the World Cup … It’s up to him.’
According to ESPN, the most recent contact between Brazil and Guardiola came in 2022.
