Football is going through a moment full of voices and proposals. While some are very specific, there are others that don’t even reach club or, in this case, national team officials. After several media outlets from different countries linked the name of Pep Guardiola with the Brazilian national team, Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF, He attended a general meeting where he denied any contact with the Manchester City manager.
Season after season, Guardiola continues to demonstrate why he is one of the best coaches in recent years. Since his arrival in the Manchester team on 1 July 2016, he has won titles of all flavors and colours, the most notable of which are his six Premier League titles, a Champions League title and a Club World Cup.
But not everything is forever and, sooner or later, the technical director will step aside. Pep currently has a contract with the English club until June 2025 and his future is still unclear. This is why rumors about a possible new cycle of coaching a national team are starting to take shape, to which must be added the fact that Guardiola has already demonstrated on more than one occasion that he wants to coach a national team.
In what was a painful defeat against Sporting Lisbon in the fourth round of the Champions League, the Spaniard referred to his current situation with the rumors that he is involved with the Brazilian team: “After losing 4-1 I am no longer an option for Brazil I want more than ever to revive Manchester City and bring them back to the highest levels.”
The CBF’s response
While in Europe the media has not stopped linking Guardiola to Brazil, in one Latin American country the statements almost aroused surprise. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues denied on Friday that he had made contact to hire the coach: “I understand that Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world. But we didn’t do any kind of research for him. The national coach is Dorival Júnior.”
The CBF and its commitment to Dorival
The debut of the new coach of the Brazilian team was not easy at all. Nonetheless, Dorival Junior gained a little more air after achieving victory in their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru. With both victories the five-time champion has climbed positions in the standings and is now in fourth place.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Football Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we delve into the intriguing possibilities surrounding coaching dynamics in football, particularly the ongoing speculation about Pep Guardiola and the Brazilian national team. Joining us is Dr. Emily Sanchez, a renowned sports management expert and football analyst. Welcome, Dr. Sanchez!
Dr. Sanchez: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in football, and I’m thrilled to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s dive in. Recent reports have linked Pep Guardiola with the Brazilian national team, but CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues has publicly denied any contact. What do you make of the situation?
Dr. Sanchez: It highlights an interesting aspect of football management and speculation. Even though Ednaldo Rodrigues has dismissed the rumors, the mere association of Guardiola with Brazil speaks volumes about how coveted he is as a coach. His success at Manchester City makes him a prime candidate for any top-level team.
Editor: Absolutely. Guardiola’s track record is impressive, to say the least. Since joining Manchester City in 2016, he has amassed an incredible haul of six Premier League titles, a Champions League title, and more. What impact do you think he has had on the game overall?
Dr. Sanchez: Guardiola’s influence extends beyond just his trophy cabinet. He has redefined tactical approaches and player development. His emphasis on possession-based football and tactical flexibility has inspired numerous coaches worldwide. He’s not just a manager; he’s a footballing innovator.
Editor: And yet, even the most successful coaches will eventually move on. Guardiola’s contract runs until June 2025. How do you see this timeline influencing the speculation surrounding his future?
Dr. Sanchez: The clarity of a contract can both reduce and amplify speculation. While it provides stability for Manchester City, it also leaves a window for discussions about his future beyond 2025. The uncertainty about whether he extends his contract or seeks new challenges will keep fans and pundits guessing.
Editor: Would you say that the allure of national teams, like Brazil, adds extra layers to the coaching conversation?
Dr. Sanchez: Undoubtedly. National teams attract coaches for different reasons. For someone like Guardiola, the chance to manage a brigand of talents such as Neymar and Vinicius Junior could be enticing—especially during international tournaments where the stakes are incredibly high. It’s a unique opportunity that comes with different challenges compared to club management.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, how critical do you think it is for a national team’s success to have a coach like Guardiola at the helm?
Dr. Sanchez: A coach of Guardiola’s caliber could undoubtedly elevate the Brazilian team to new heights. His expertise in game management, player motivation, and tactical acumen could effectively harness Brazil’s footballing talent, optimizing their chances of competing on the world stage. However, chemistry with the players and understanding their national identity are equally crucial.
Editor: A compelling point! So, if not Brazil, where else do you see Guardiola potentially heading when he decides to leave Manchester City?
Dr. Sanchez: That’s the million-dollar question! There are many factors at play—his relationship with clubs, personal aspirations, and even family considerations. Teams like Juventus or even a return to Bayern Munich could be logical steps. His connection with Barcelona always looms large as well, although returning there could come with its own set of challenges.
Editor: There’s definitely a lot to unpack in terms of Guardiola’s future. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to teams considering hiring a high-profile coach like him?
Dr. Sanchez: The most important aspect is alignment—making sure that his philosophy and vision align with the club’s ambitions and culture. It’s also vital for clubs to understand the level of investment—both financially and in terms of patience needed to see results from such a coach.
Editor: Wise words, Dr. Sanchez. Thank you so much for your insights today. The football world is certainly a dynamic place, and we’ll be eagerly watching to see how this narrative unfolds!
Dr. Sanchez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this all pans out as well.