The Manchester City boss is preparing his side for their second match at the FIFA Club World Cup
Pep Guardiola has admitted he could see himself managing in South America before he retires. Manchester City boss Guardiola says he has loved the passion of the Brazilian and Argentine fans throughout the Club World Cup.
Brazilian giants Botafogo and Flamengo have already provided big shocks by beating Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea respectively and it prompted wild celebrations. Guardiola, whose side faces Al Ain in their second Club World Cup game, has a fine record in the competition and is determined to win it in its new 32 team format.
But Guardiola confessed he looks at the South American teams and is jealous of the passion they show – and admits it makes him think about going there in the future.
When asked if he would like to work there run the future, Guardiola said: “Why not? Many many good things in all history that happen in football, many, many good things come from South America.
“You know, from Brazil, especially Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, I would say all the countries, many, many good things. The greatest players come from there, and after most of them come to Europe, because the opportunities are economically prestigious and everything is, you know, always solid. Incredible.
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“I love, I love, you know, when you’re in this tournament and you play South American teams, you play with Europe, another continent, how they challenge, how they compete, how you see.
“I love when I see Botafogo, all the Brazilian teams, Argentinian teams, how they celebrate, how they are together. I like them, I love them, I like them.
“I’m pretty sure for the South American teams, for the Brazilian teams, for Argentina teams, this competition is maybe the maximum.
“I admire how they defend, Boca Juniors, how every single goal is like, wow, the end of the world. You know, it’s different styles, different ways. It’s really, really good.
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The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world’s best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13.
Fans can watch every match live and for free by signing up to DAZN.
“Except one or two, all the games are tight, and people say: ‘Ah, surprise, the European team lose.’ Oh, yeah, welcome to the real world, right? Welcome to the world my friends.
“You look like you are just moving your belly, and you are not watching what happens, because they are good, and I like, you know. And Brazil, since the World Cup, look at the last three, four or five years, Argentina, you know, controlling.
“So we shouldn’t pay attention to how good they are, right? We are there to play against them, to prove how we are as a team, to try to extend as long as possible this competition here, and prepare for next year.”
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