Ranking Pep Guardiola's Potential Premier League Landing Spots
Pep Guardiola wants to manage in England. But where?
The Bayern Munich boss, formerly the top man at Barcelona, was tantalizingly vague when announcing his intention to take the reins at a Premier League club this week. And yet he also said plenty.
"I want to experience a new city and I want to work in England," Guardiola said, per BBC Sport. "I have several offers from England but I haven't signed anything yet."
He added: "I have an opportunity to work in England. I think I'm at the right age and I feel it is the right move for me. That is the reason I have taken this decision."
So where will Guardiola land? Here, Bleacher Report ranks his four most likely destinations.
Think we got it wrong? Be sure to add your thoughts in the comments section.
4. Arsenal
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In some ways, Arsenal could be the most natural fit for Guardiola. The Gunners play a flowing, attacking style that approximates Guardiola's philosophy more closely than perhaps any other Premier League side.
What's more, the club is financially secure after many years of austerity in the transfer market. The London location and the 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium would also appeal to any manager.
But for all their financial clout, the Gunners still can't consistently compete with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United when it comes to paying top wages. And maybe more importantly, the club has a long-term manager already in place.
Perhaps if Arsene Wenger were willing to move into a different role with the club, then Arsenal would be able to pursue Guardiola. Former Premier League footballer Trevor Sinclair recently cited a "reliable source" that claimed such a scenario is possible, but that story has yet to gain traction elsewhere in the media.
At ESPN FC, Raphael Honigstein wrote to the contrary:
"Wenger's current good run in the league and his strong power base make Guardiola's arrival next summer more unprobable still. He might be persuaded to spend a year on sabbatical, waiting for Wenger's contract to run out in 2017, but who at the Emirates has either the mandate or the courage to make such an offer as long as Wenger is around? The answer is: no one.
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Bringing in Guardiola isn't impossible for Arsenal, but other destinations seem more likely.
Verdict: If only it were 2017.
3. Chelsea
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Chelsea are struggling through a difficult campaign, but the Blues won the Premier League title just a season ago. The club also claimed the UEFA Champions League in 2012, capping a remarkable rise under Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
Located in London, Chelsea would offer Guardiola an appealing home base. And Abramovich's deep pockets would allow him to build a squad to his own liking while deciding which current players would stay or go.
But Guardiola might be turned off by Abramovich's reputation. Since taking over Chelsea in 2003, the Russian billionaire has sacked a host of managers, with Jose Mourinho the latest to leave the Blues only last month. And speaking of the Special One, would Guardiola really want to follow his former rival at the club where Mourinho has accomplished so much?
Then again, a healthy compensation package could ease many of Guardiola's concerns.
Verdict: Anything is possible, but Pep heading to Chelsea feels improbable.
2. Manchester United
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Guardiola is one of perhaps only a handful of managers who could take the Manchester United job without feeling crushed by the considerable legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot guided United through a wildly successful period until his retirement in 2013, winning 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues while playing a thrilling, attacking style.
United remain one of the biggest, most famous and most recognizable brands in world football, but the club is currently in a down cycle. Louis van Gaal, a big-name manager, took the reins ahead of the 2014-15 season but now finds himself under pressure following poor results and a playing style that's unpopular with fans.
There's no doubt that United have the financial clout to bring in a manager like Guardiola, and to make the signings he would recommend to address the squad's weaknesses. And a club with United's history would surely hold appeal for the Catalan.
But as we'll see in the next slide, the other half of Manchester might be a better fit.
Verdict: United would make sense, but City might be more appealing.
1. Manchester City
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Manchester City obviously have the resources. They also have a good stadium stadium and facilities, plus a strong squad. What's more, the fantastically wealthy owners have an ambition to conquer the world. And while Manchester might not be as appealing as London, it's still a major hub of the footballing world.
Those are all good reasons for Guardiola to consider Manchester City. But there's more.
Txiki Begiristain, City's director of football, worked with Guardiola at Barcelona. So did Ferran Soriano, the club's CEO.
Even Manuel Pellegrini, the current manager, seems at peace with the idea.
"Someday he'll come here [to England]," Pellegrini said, per Sky Sports. "And I hope he will have the option to work at Manchester City. I say that because I love this club and I hope, in the future, he can work here also. I am sure he will be very important for the club."
In other words, for Pep, all roads apparently lead to the Etihad.
Verdict: Manchester City are the leaders in the clubhouse. A surprise might be in store, but the Etihad seems his most likely destination by some distance.
