Pep Guardiola to snub Premier League as he closes on two-year contract extension at Bayern Munich10:05, 2 NOV 2015 UPDATED 10:12, 2 NOV 2015
BY ALEX RICHARDS
The Spaniard's contract expires at the Allianz Arena next summer but the former Barcelona boss is looking increasingly likely to stay on
Pep Guardiola is set to snub the Premier League and sign a two-year contract extension with Bayern Munich. The Spaniard is a target for the English elite, with Manchester City keen on taking Guardiola to the Etihad and Chelsea also tracking him, as Jose Mourinho's future at Stamford Bridge hangs by an increasingly slender thread. Additionally, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been mooted as potential destinations, with Guardiola himself hinting at an interest in both in his book, Pep Confidential.
His current three-year deal ends in June, a situation which has led to a host of speculation. Guardiola has recently dodged questions over his future, but is now reportedly close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the Allianz Arena until 2018.
According to Spanish paper Sport, Guardiola, 44 is "very close" to saying yes to Bayern's offer of an extension, despite offers from elsewhere. The former Barcelona coach, who has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles, is said to "have the desire" to manage in the Premier League, "but doesn't think that moment has arrived". International positions also don't yet appeal, with Guardiola enjoying the day-to-day work of club management.
Guardiola and his wife Cristina have grown to enjoy living in Munich, with the manager enjoying his role as part of the Bayern family - a role which will only grow with a new deal.
And while the club's failure to reach the final of the Champions League in each of the last two seasons has been questioned from the outside, the club's hierarchy have been unwavering in their support.
Bayern have always remained confident that Guardiola would stay after the end of the current campaign, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge having previously declared himself "optimistic".
"I am definitely optimistic that Pep will stay beyond June 30, 2016. We have a first-class team, a fantastic club, a great stadium and a wonderful city to offer," Rummenigge declared in September.
"The coach feels good. He has a good team. It helps to have Munich as a city. There's a lot going for Pep Guardiola deciding for Bayern Munich.
“I want to win the Champions League again - with Guardiola in charge.”
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/pep-guardiola-snub-premier-league-6750075 [ 此帖被羅力亞在2015-12-20 22:23重新編輯 ]