Welcome to the Real World: Pep Guardiola Reveals the Team He Wants to Manage After Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola has never been shy about his love for football in all its global forms, but now, the Manchester City manager has made a rare and telling admission: he wants to manage a South American team when his time in Europe comes to an end. 

Speaking at the FIFA Club World Cup, Guardiola didn’t just praise South American football, he revealed his desire to be part of it. 

“Why not?” Guardiola said when asked if he’d consider managing in South America. “So many good things in football history come from there, especially Brazil.” 

The Catalan coach specifically expressed admiration for Brazilian football, its players, fans, and fierce competitive culture. And when pressed, he admitted Brazil is the one country where he would love to coach next. 

“I love how they play, how they celebrate every goal like it’s the end of the world,” Guardiola said. “From Botafogo to Flamengo, from Boca Juniors to River Plate, the passion is real. Brazil would be a dream.” 

While he didn’t name a specific club, Guardiola repeatedly referenced Brazilian sides like Botafogo and Flamengo, both of which have made headlines at the Club World Cup after stunning top European clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. 

“When I see Botafogo, Flamengo, how they are together, I like them. I love them. I really do.” 

Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025, and while many expect him to take a break or consider national team management, this new revelation offers a fresh twist. His comments make it clear: a move to Brazil is something he’s not only open to, it’s something he’s actively thinking about. 

“For the South American teams, especially Brazilian and Argentine clubs, this competition [Club World Cup] is maybe the maximum. And I love how seriously they take it.” 

Pep also took a swipe at European arrogance, noting that people often underestimate South American teams, at their own peril. 

“People say: ‘Oh, surprise, the European team lost.’ Oh yeah? Welcome to the real world. These teams are good, and I like that.” 

Guardiola has already left an indelible mark on European football, with legendary stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. But managing a club in Brazil, or elsewhere in South America, would take his legacy to a whole new continent. 

Whether it’s Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, or even the Brazil national team, Pep’s passion for the South American game is clear, and fans in the region are already dreaming.