15 Jan 2016 09:33:28
what do you think will happen to Guardiola Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Thanks for asking,

Pep Guardiola will be moving on in the summer and whilst Bayern Munich wanted him to sign a new contract and commit to spending a longer time with the club – and he has declined that option. I had explained previously that talking with a Spanish former player who knows Guardiola well and works within the media, he said that Munich had originally asked to be informed in November of his future plans but then tried to accelerate the process once Brendan Rodgers left Liverpool - the reason being that Munich were interest in Klipperty joining them as Guardiola's replacement. However, attempts to have Guardiola decide earlier than planned fell on deaf ears. As I said in the summer, I have previously spoken with a well known German ex international player - and he expected Guardiola to stay and run down his contract and he felt that there are clubs who want him next summer - Manchester City being one. That is exactly what is happening.

So his options. Firstly he has already turned down three approaches, one from Zenit and one from each of the dark horses.

Manchester City – sustained interest in Guardiola and they will move Pellegrini on to fit him in regardless of winning the league and indeed the Champions League if Guardiola agrees to join. Will offer an outrageous package and the opportunity to make whatever changes he wishes to the playing staff - and they are willing to try and negotiate a deal for at least one really high-end player. His most likely option as it stands right now.

Chelsea – Guardiola and his representatives are aware Chelsea are looking for an new options and ideas for the summer and would be willing to allow a potential new manager to influence the future playing strategy that is currently being developed. Whilst they would make a very good offer in terms of a package to Guardiola and would pretty much be willing to fund a rebuild, they would still rely heavily on advisers when considering transfers – and he would need to agree to work within that frame work (which actually may suit him well). Certainly possible but Chelsea are going to be continuing to look at a wide selection of other options.

PSG – The club will continue to look to see if anything can be done with Guardiola and are willing to force Laurent Blanc out in order to make way. They will offer a certain amount of latitude with the team but they are wary of FFF regulations, FFP and the fans craving major French players being recruited. Quite frankly their efforts will be lost on Guardiola and it is impossible for me to see Guardiola opting for PSG with a language barrier and other otions available. PSG will look to shore up by signing Laurent Blanc to a new deal, but Laurent Blanc will need to think carefully before signing it - as he is well aware of what the club has been looking at with Guardiol.

Arsenal – As I have previously explained, during the pre-season and early on in the season there was an issue that was proving to be of great concern to Monsieur Wenger and there was a chance that he would not see out his contract. To allay fears that would happen, and after some discussions, he has now stated to the board that he will retire in the summer of 2017 when his contract expires. Unless the issue M Wenger is concerned about comes back to the fore, I think it very unlikely that he would step down next summer. Timing is not good for Guardiola unless he takes a further year off although it has long been known it is a job that he would liked to have the opportunity to be considered for. I cannot see it as any sort of option for 2016.

Manchester United – Guardiola would, I am sure, be interested in hearing a proposal from the club but will be wary of a number of matters. With LvG in place and the club already having planned for the future through to 2022 they will likely not pursue the matter unless something changes. A souring toxic fan base not bright enough to understand the future plans and want changes made now at the expense of the future could get what they want, but it may well be detrimental to the long term future of the club. Right now, a third party has a plan that they are trying to discuss with the owners of the club, and that may have an impact on this. Unlikely to happen.

Barcelona – Don’t totally rule out a return at some point. Certainly very, very unlikely but not impossible in the future.

Previously I said there were two dark horses remaining – I can now say that they have both already had their approaches turned down and it really is unimportant who they were.}

1.) 22 Jan 2016
22 Jan 2016 10:06:06
Great post Ed002, some of us United fans do appreciate your input and also consider ourselves 'bright enough' to of course consider the future.
A lot of reports this morning of a meeting in Paris, any truth in them to your knowledge?
Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - I am completely done with MU KG. Sorry.}