Could Pep Guardiola be the next England manager? Oasis icon Noel Gallagher believes the departing Manchester City boss could take charge of the Three Lions and finally capture the one trophy missing from his incredible career – the World Cup.
Manchester City supporters are still processing the emotional news that their legendary coach is stepping down, but Gallagher has already imagined a stunning next chapter. After dominating the club scene, the Oasis guitarist feels Guardiola’s next mission could be to conquer the world stage.
A possible England future for Pep?
As the blue half of Manchester prepares to bid farewell to its most successful manager, Noel Gallagher has suggested that Guardiola’s next role could be guiding England. The official announcement confirming the Spaniard’s departure after a decade at the Etihad has sparked speculation about his next move. During his tenure, Guardiola collected 20 major trophies and revolutionised English football with his tactical brilliance.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher, a close friend of Guardiola, said: “If I know him at all, I’d expect him to go after the World Cup with someone, I think that would motivate him. It’s the only thing he hasn’t won. He’s done everything else in football, changed the game, changed how people see the game. I can picture him lifting the World Cup, I can see him managing England, or even the Netherlands, or one of the ‘Big Six’. There’s no way he’s walking away from football.”
Life after the Etihad mastermind
Change is already underway at Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca widely expected to fill the void left by his former mentor. While Guardiola transitions into a Global Ambassador role within the City Football Group, Gallagher has cautioned that the era of near-guaranteed trophies might now be over for the club.
“Forget replacing him, that’s impossible,” Gallagher admitted. “That sense of almost certain silverware every season with Pep – that’s finished. We’ll have to reset now, and Khaldoon [Al Mubarak] becomes the most crucial figure at the club. We have to start again. We’ll never see another Guardiola. It’s not just a sad day for City fans; it’s a sad day for the Premier League because he was box office, a superstar.”
The pressure building on Thomas Tuchel
Gallagher’s thoughts on Guardiola taking the England job come amid growing tension around the national team. Current manager Thomas Tuchel is already under heavy scrutiny before the upcoming tournament in North America. Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has even claimed that failing to win the World Cup should cost Tuchel his job.
Tuchel’s controversial squad selections, including the omission of standout players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, have sparked debate about his long-term position. Should England underperform on the global stage, the Football Association could be forced to look for a replacement. By then, Guardiola — arguably the most accomplished manager of the modern era — will be available and ready for a fresh challenge.
A legacy that transformed English football
Whatever Guardiola decides next, his influence on English football is undeniable. Reflecting on his Manchester tenure, the Catalan tactician spoke about his deep bond with the city’s hardworking spirit. “This is a city built on effort and determination,” he said. “You can see it in the bricks – from people who clocked in early and stayed late. The factories, the Pankhursts, the unions, the music. The Industrial Revolution started here and changed the world. I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.”
Gallagher hopes that even if Guardiola ventures into international football, he will continue to inspire and advise Manchester City. “There are rumours he’ll remain within the Manchester City Football Group, which would be brilliant,” he added. “It would be a huge loss if we didn’t have his wisdom. Hopefully, he’ll become our Johan Cruyff. Cruyff discovered him, and maybe Pep will stay to guide us when the club needs his insight.”
