“I belong to a small country called Catalonia.” This is one of the phrases that is repeated most often. Pep Guardiola to make it clear that he does not feel like a Spaniard, although he is one. This was well understood in Manchester, where City fans several times wore the star with which Catalan separatists ask for independence from Spain. Despite this, we should not forget that the Sampedorian played 47 matches for the Spanish national team.
Former footballer won gold medal with Spain Olympic Games in Barcelona 1992.. This achievement, no matter how he achieved it in Barcelona, he did it while representing Spain, and it was the Spanish anthem that played as the Olympic team stood on the podium to win gold. Despite this, Pep Guardiola will not support Spain in the final. World and he was responsible for bringing it up in a recent interview with OKH.
After reviewing how this World Cup has been, Guardiola was asked what he preferred to the final. “I’m going to win the World Cup,” he said, and later explained that he would not play for Spain or Argentina: “I have a lot of players that I admire. I always root for teams that have players I like.” Some words with which he, without saying it, made it clear that he was not with Spain.
In fact, the coach, who is without a team and already dreams of leading teams like Italy or England, admitted that he would also be happy if countries like France or Portugal won. “If he wins Argentinathere are players that I played with and I will be happy for them. same with France. Portugal “There are players there whose connections I like,” he explained, without once mentioning Spain.
Your keys to the final
After a few questions, Guardiola had no choice but to talk about Spain and give what he believes is the key to Luis de la Fuente’s side winning against Argentina. In his opinion, everything happens Rodri Hernandezplayer who trained at City for many years: “If he manages to establish himself in the center with Pedri th Lamin turns out to be right, Spain can change the situation.
Focusing on other matters, Guardiola also spoke of the regret he feels for never coaching Neymar, a player who fascinates him and who is already in the twilight of his career. “Neymar is a player I would like to coach. I faced Messi’s Barcelona and he faced Bayern Munich… They were unstoppable,” he said, before commenting on who he considers the best footballer in history: “Everyone has their own opinion, but I have no doubt that Messi is the best of them all“
Leo Messi during the 2026 World Cup.
Already focused on himself, Guardiola, who is being eyed to coach England or Italy, explained the reasons that led him to stop and although he will return to training, there appear to be no plans to do so in the short term. “One of the reasons I quit was to take care of myself a little bit, my body, my back. I’ve suffered a lot in recent years and have gotten back into sports a bit,” he reflected. “There are many things I want to try to do. Find out more about my children. My father is still here. My sisters, my brothers.
For this reason, after almost 20 years on the bench, Guardiola has stopped indefinitely and wants to focus on other issues. “I started when I was 37 years old in Barcelona and now I’m 56.. I need to do something new. I’m very happy now,” he concluded.