Guardiola reveals England ambition

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Pep Guardiola. REUTERS photo

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has opened the door on a move to England by revealing that he hopes to manage a team in the Premier League one day.
 
To mark the launch of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, Guardiola gave an interview to the organisation in which he spoke of his desire to work in England.
 
"It is unique, to play in that league," he told FATV in a video message. "I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players. As a player, I couldn't realise my dream to play there.
 
"But I hope, in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there." Guardiola is currently taking a break from the game after an extraordinary period of success at Barcelona, with whom he won 14 trophies in four seasons.
 
He has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, having stood down from his position at Camp Nou at the end of last season.
 
Recent media reports suggested he was poised to join German giants Bayern Munich but Wednesday's remarks are sure to fuel speculation of a move to England.
 
"I have always found English football fascinating. The support of the home team is amazing," he said.
 
"In Italy, Latin people will support you when they are playing and when you lose, they kill you. In England, I'm always surprised that people support everything.
 
"That is nice and why, maybe, as I am still young -- just 41 -- I hope to have the challenge or the opportunity to train there." Guardiola's message is due to be broadcast during a ceremony on Wednesday at the Connaught Rooms in central London, where the rules of football were first drawn up.
 
A host of luminaries from the game are expected to attend, while invitations have also been sent to every living former England manager.
 
"I want to say congratulations to the FA on this huge anniversary, because 150 years is a lot," added Guardiola. "But also because they created the rules of football and have a responsibility for the game.
 
"They have been important in the development of our beautiful game."