Pep Guardiola has admitted he could see himself managing in South America before he retires. Manchester City boss Guardiola says he has loved the passion of the Brazilian and Argentine fans throughout the Club World Cup.
Brazilian giants Botafogo and Flamengo have already provided big shocks by beating Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea respectively and it prompted wild celebrations. Guardiola, whose side faces Al Ain in their second Club World Cup game, has a fine record in the competition and is determined to win it in its new 32 team format.
But Guardiola confessed he looks at the South American teams and is jealous of the passion they show - and admits it makes him think about going there in the future.
When asked if he would like to work there run the future, Guardiola said: “Why not? Many many good things in all history that happen in football, many, many good things come from South America.
“You know, from Brazil, especially Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, I would say all the countries, many, many good things. The greatest players come from there, and after most of them come to Europe, because the opportunities are economically prestigious and everything is, you know, always solid. Incredible.
READ MORE: Ex-Premier League boss told 'f*** you' in furious Club World Cup spat with own player
READ MORE: Man City star reveals Pep Guardiola's message to dressing room after disappointing season
“I love, I love, you know, when you're in this tournament and you play South American teams, you play with Europe, another continent, how they challenge, how they compete, how you see.
“I love when I see Botafogo, all the Brazilian teams, Argentinian teams, how they celebrate, how they are together. I like them, I love them, I like them.
“I'm pretty sure for the South American teams, for the Brazilian teams, for Argentina teams, this competition is maybe the maximum.
“I admire how they defend, Boca Juniors, how every single goal is like, wow, the end of the world. You know, it's different styles, different ways. It's really, really good.
“Except one or two, all the games are tight, and people say: 'Ah, surprise, the European team lose.’ Oh, yeah, welcome to the real world, right? Welcome to the world my friends.
“You look like you are just moving your belly, and you are not watching what happens, because they are good, and I like, you know. And Brazil, since the World Cup, look at the last three, four or five years, Argentina, you know, controlling.
“So we shouldn't pay attention to how good they are, right? We are there to play against them, to prove how we are as a team, to try to extend as long as possible this competition here, and prepare for next year.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
You may also like
Chelsea transfer window predicted as Gittens signs and £67m striker hijack sealed after 10 exits
Viral: Rich dad surprises daughter with luxury pink Rolls Royce
Elizabeth Hurley risks wardrobe malfunction on date night with Billy Ray Cyrus
Jackie Shroff lends support to Hetal Dave's biopic 'Sumo Didi'
Seaside alternative to Center Parcs could save holidaymakers up to £600 this summer