Pep Guardiola set to quit Bayern: Man City & Man Utd on alert

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has decided to leave Bayern Munich and is expected to take charge of a Premier League club next summer.

Manchester City has emerged as the most likely destination for Guardiola next season, although his availability could also alert Manchester United and Chelsea.

Guardiola has indicated that he will give “clarity” on his situation next week and has always planned to make a decision on his future towards the end of the calendar year.


Goal understands the 44-year-old has now decided to leave Bayern and is due to make an announcement early next week, although an announcement could be moved forward as speculation intensifies.
 Bayern have been desperately trying to convince Guardiola to extend a contract that expires at the end of this season, but he feels it is time for a new challenge in another country after three seasons at the Allianz Arena.

Guardiola wants to coach in the Premier League next season but is highly unlikely to announce his new club, particularly with managers currently in place at his potential destinations in England, including Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium.

City believe the former Barcelona coach can take them to the top of European football and he has a very close relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain from their time together at the Camp Nou.

Guardiola is known to admire United having been approached by Sir Alex Ferguson before his retirement, and the 20-time champions could become an option should Louis van Gaal continue to struggle at Old Trafford.

Likewise, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a long-term admirer of the Catalan, particularly because of his reputation for an attractive style of football. Jose Mourinho is under enormous pressure with the Blues 16th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.
 Guardiola won 14 trophies in the first four years of his managerial career with Barcelona and, after taking a one-year sabbatical, has won five competitions with Bayern in two-and-a-half years in Munich.

Bayern have been hopeful of persuading Guardiola to stay with a contract offer which would make him the best paid manager in the world.

Sporting director Matthias Sammer claimed he was in the dark about Guardiola’s intentions on Wednesday when he told Goal: "I don't know what Pep will decide. I can't say."