“Going to Brazil” – Frank Leboeuf Reacts to Pep Guardiola’s Wish of Coaching a National Team Before Retirement

In his managerial stint with three European powerhouses, Pep Guardiola has won an impressive 32 major trophies across competitions. The Spaniard, anyhow, needs an international trophy, such as the World Cup, to complete his otherwise monumental career. And Guardiola just wants to do that. In a recent interview, the Manchester City boss said he intends to coach a national team before calling it a day. Thereafter, France’s World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf gave his verdict on Guardiola’s future. Surprisingly, he snubbed the French NT and chose Brazil as the 53-year-old’s next destination.

Pep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025. Besides, he has not yet ruled out the chances for an extension. Now that he wishes to compete at the international level, quite a few national teams will race to secure his sign.

‘Top European’ coach like Pep Guardiola in Brazil hot-seat would ‘be great’, says Leboeuf

Pep Guardiola’s national team dream became a talking point in a recent ESPN FC episode. A fan asked the hosts which is the best team for the City boss among Brazil, England, USA, and France. French soccer icon Frank Leboeuf said, “I would love to see one day you know we almost saw that with Ancelotti, I think would be a very good experience for a top, top coach in Europe to go to Brazil and train the national team. I would love to see Guardiola going to Brazil. That would be great. That would be my choice, going to Brazil.” 

While Leboeuf is highly optimistic about Guardiola’s prospects in Brazil, fellow host Steve Nicol failed to resonate the same faith. He said the Spanish boss would have to “calm down from talking every two seconds and giving orders,” referring to his Manchester City antics. Unlike club management, Guardiola won’t have the chance to interact with players daily, in a national team. Nonetheless, that does not seem to be a problem for the veteran, as he craves a World Cup experience before retiring from his coaching career.

What did Guardiola say about his national team dream?

ESPN Brasil asked Pep Guardiola what was left for him to achieve in his coaching career. “I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro, or a Copa América, or whatever it is,” Guardiola said in response. Since he has not ruled out a Manchester City contract extension after 2025, he did not give a definite time as to when he plans to pursue a national team career.

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“I don’t know when that would be if that is five, 10, 15 years from now, but I would like to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup,” he added. Since Guardiola has revealed this plan and 2026 will see the next FIFA World Cup, it remains to be seen where he ends up.

Where do you think Pep Guardiola should head next? Tell us in the comments.

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