Bayern Munich Manager Pep Guardiola made clear this week his intentions to manage in the Premier League. Manchester City remain the current favorites to land his services, but Pep has also been linked to both Chelsea and Manchester United.
United Manager Louis van Gaal gave his press conference today previewing the FA Cup third round match on Saturday between his side and Sheffield United. (watch the video at this link) The highlights of the session included Van Gaal getting another one of his own player’s names wrong (again) and the Pep Guardiola line of questioning.
Van Gaal doesn’t see Pep as a threat to take his job however.
“It’s not for sure he will be the manager of a Premier League club next season,” said the Dutchman.
“I’m at the end of my career so for me it’s not so interesting. For me it is interesting how I take care of Manchester United in my contract and I still have one year to go after this season.”
“I said [what my goals are] when I came here. I still have the same goals. I have received a contract of three years and these are same goals as when I came here.”
“I said that two years ago [that Guardiola would come to England]. It’s not so strange, you have to set always your goals, as a manager also.”
“Some people might look at that a little bit strangely, but managers have ambitions too and he wants to sniff the culture of England.
“I wanted that also and I think that it’s very good he wants to do that, and I don’t think it will have an impact on his club. Every manager has that right to announce that [his intention to leave at a certain point].”
“He has that ambition [to manage in England] and he wants to sniff to the culture of England and the Premier League. I think it is very good he wants to do that.”
Van Gaal sounded extremely sure of himself today in those comments. That really says something, when you consider how hot is seat has been rumored to be. Perhaps LVG knows how safe his standing is with Executive Vice President Ed Woodward, and the United board? Would be speaking in such a manner if he were on thin ice?
Pep Guardiola is just one of a few names in the mix to become the next Manager at Chelsea. We broke down that derby in more detail here.
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