New York City FC could be Pep Guardiola's next coaching destination

Posted Saturday, December 04, 2021 by Marca.com

MLS side would present Spanish coach a chance to stay linked with City Football Group

Pep Guardiola

Rumours regarding Pep Guardiola's coaching future continue to spread, even though the former Barcelona coach has been clear he is committed to Manchester City, yet it is being speculated that New York City FC could be his next destination.

Being part of the City Football Group means that the MLS side are closely linked with Manchester City and this would make such a transition much easier.

"I have been fortunate to see first-hand the passion that New Yorkers have for soccer," Guardiola admitted in his pre-match press conference.

"It is a city that I deeply love. I have said it for many years, I think there is an incredibly bright future for soccer in the United States."

Guardiola spent a lot of time in the American city during his coaching sabbatical after leaving Barcelona, growing accustomed to the lifestyle there, which could tempt him to make the move eventually.

The former Bayern Munich coach has confirmed that he wouldn't work for another Premier League club after his time with City, which leaves him very few options in Europe where he would have the budget that his coaching style requires.

Moving to MLS would be interesting in the sense that he wouldn't be able to recruit players in the same way due to the rules in the league, but the chance to develop homegrown American talent could be fruitful for the USMNT and Manchester City, with players able to move freely to Manchester from the New York club.

"All over the world, I have seen how football can change lives, it brings people together like no other sport," Guardiola added.

"I am very proud that our group has played a role in using sport to bring people together, and give young people more spaces to practice the game we love here in Manchester and around the world."