Tika-taka is England’s future if Bayern boss rumours ring true
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England have looked to Sven and Fabio in the past, but Pep certainly has a sweeter ring about it than either of the two foreign managers paid a king’s ransom to achieve little in the recent past.
It may be fanciful, though it’s certainly not outrageous, to learn that the English FA are sniffing around Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola as the next candidate for the top post.
Incumbent England gaffer Roy Hodgson has a contract which runs out after Euro 2016, while presiding Bayern boss Guardiola is yet to extend his Bavarian jaunt beyond next summer as it stands.
Despite Hodgson overseeing a seamless qualification campaign which could yet end up in the record books, the limpness of the challenge en route is arguably set to hinder the Three Lions when the quality is ramped up at the finals.
A wave of misguided optimism followed Hodgson to the last tournament remember and the result was unmitigated disaster, so it’s wholly conceivable a successor will be actively sought once another premature England exit materialises.
Sounding out a new direction early is always advisable for the FA when a major tournament looms on the horizon and there are no managers on the planet capable of altering the national football philosophy more than the Godfather of tika-taka himself.
But would the former Barcelona tactician really fancy swapping beer and sausages for fish and chips? 16/1 with Ladbrokes says he will be the next permanent manager of England.
There is probably enough in the FA’s coffers to make it the most financially rewarding job the Spaniard will ever take, so there is genuine hope in that respect.
Much may depend on Bayern’s progress in the Champions League this season, as winning the European Cup again with another club is clearly the challenge he left the Nou Camp for, not the child’s play of Bundesliga triumphs.
Backing Bayern to win the Champions League at 9/2, even after just one game, is certainly a more enticing bet than England winning the Euros at 12s, but if Guardiola were in charge for World Cup 2018, then there would be genuine hope of something special.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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