Pep Guardiola is the sort of man that could probably choose his next destination, regardless of who currently leads that club.
So pardon us if the reports that he’s being targeted for the England job after Euro 2016 seem far-fetched.
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More on that later, but the Bayern Munich boss was asked about the reports. After brushing aside a first question, a follow-up saw him walk out of a press conference.
From the BBC:Pressed to comment, Guardiola said: “Oh come on, I’m coach of Bayern Munich. Many thanks and auf wiedersehen.”
He then left the briefing, organised to preview Bayern’s trip to Mainz on Saturday.
Here’s the thing: While Guardiola is the sort who relishes both accepting daunting challenges and defying traditional perception, why on Earth would he want the England job?
Aside from the suitcases full of money that would come with accepting a job, England is already a squad that is -- believe it or not -- already overachieving according to advanced statistics/"Soccernomics”.
Isn’t it more reasonable that Guardiola takes a reasonable climb of a mountain if he wants to step outside of playing it safe (and if he even wants to leave Bayern, which seems quite possible). Liverpool, Manchester City and AC Milan seem possible on the club scene, while organizing weapons on the international stage would be more intriguing in Belgium, Spain, or even Argentina.
And here’s a wild card for you: Los Angeles FC. The 2017 MLS market will want to make a big splash, and given his time at Barca and Bayern, couldn’t you see Pep strolling in to Hollywood with Andres Iniesta (then 33), Arjen Robben (33), and Gerard Pique (30)?
That’d make a splash.