Pep Guardiola targets shock switch to international management as Man City boss reveals plans to leave club football and ‘wants to train a team for the World Cup’

Pep Guardiola has declared his ambition to manage a national team in the future and admitted a career dream of competing in the World Cup.

The Spaniard is currently managing Manchester City and targeting a second consecutive Treble crown this season, but has hinted at a future move away from club football.

His existing contract at City expires in 2025 and Guardiola could depart for international management at the conclusion of his deal with the reigning Premier League champions.

Having formerly enjoyed silverware success with both Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Guardiola has already managed in three of Europe’s top leagues and previously been linked with opportunities at national sides.

The 53-year-old could choose to take charge of his native Spain in the future, while he has also been mentioned as a potential England manager having worked with a plethora of Three Lions stars during his time at City.

Guardiola guided Man City to the Treble last season that finished with success in the Champions League

It is likely that Guardiola won’t be short of suitors when he decides to throw his hat into the ring as a potential international candidate and explained how he would like to take a team to the European Championship or World Cup at some time in his career.

Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Guardiola said: ‘A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.

‘I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club,’ he added.

The next World Cup booked for summer 2026 takes place in America and Mexico, a year after Guardiola’s contract runs out at Man City.

An extension to extend his stay at the English giants isn’t out of the frame either, with Guardiola’s future expected to be in his own hands as he plots future jobs in the dugout.

Guardiola has worked with a host of England players during his time at City including Kyle Walker

The 53-year-old’s existing contract at Manchester City expires in the summer of 2025

He has celebrated 32 major trophies during his established career and further revealed that lifting the World Cup is a dream of his.

‘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,’ continued Guardiola.

‘I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa América, or whatever it is. I would like that.

‘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.’