Pep Guardiola says working in Brazil is ‘no longer an option’ after Manchester City’s defeat to Sporting CP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola playfully dismissed rumors that he would take over as Brazil’s national team coach following his side’s 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 11 November. Despite the speculation, Guardiola emphasized his commitment to Manchester City. To get his team back on track after recent struggles.

Sporting’s defeat was City’s third consecutive defeat in all competitions, putting unexpected pressure on Guardiola and his team after a promising start to the season. These latest losses have sparked rumors that Guardiola is potentially exploring new opportunities, including a Brazil national team stint, particularly as his contract with City expires in the summer of 2025. However, Guardiola has not completely ruled out the possibility of managing Brazil one day. He reiterated that he is currently focused on City’s performance, He explained that his main responsibility lies with the English champions.

“After losing 4-1, I am no longer an option for Brazil… I want to lift the team up more than ever and return it to the top level,” said Pep Guardiola.

“I have to try to find an explanation. Sometimes it’s just football… We’re going back to Manchester to prepare for the Brighton game. I’m not giving up. Maybe people are waiting, but I’m not giving up.”

Adding to the rising tensions, City’s recent defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League has further widened the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool, who are currently two points ahead. This shift not only caused disappointment among fans, but also highlighted the need for City to regain their early season momentum.

Defeat against Sporting in particular hit nerves, with many questioning whether City could regain their rhythm under Guardiola’s guidance. Known for his meticulous tactical approach and ability to revitalize teams, Guardiola remains confident in his strategy even in the midst of this brief slump. His reluctant dismissal of Brazil rumors was intended to diffuse the situation, but his focus remains on restoring City’s form and narrowing the points gap to Liverpool.

With Guardiola facing this challenging period, the upcoming fixtures will be vital in determining whether he can reignite Manchester City’s challenge. While the allure of coaching a team like Brazil may be tempting for Guardiola in the future, his mission to bring success to City remains his priority as he looks to get the club back to the top.