Manchester City may target Ange Postecoglou if Pep Guardiola leaves next year, and the Tottenham Hotspur manager would reportedly be interested in the role.
Previously, Postecoglou has dismissed rumors linking him to Liverpool and the England job. When Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, Postecoglou was quickly mentioned as a potential replacement. However, he dismissed these reports, stating he had only just begun his tenure at Tottenham, and Arne Slot eventually took the Anfield job. Similarly, when Gareth Southgate announced his resignation as England manager, Postecoglou also rejected any links to the national team.
With Guardiola likely to leave City at the end of the new season, Postecoglou has been mentioned as a potential successor. The former Celtic manager may find it difficult to remain loyal to Tottenham if offered the chance to lead City. According to The Telegraph, Tottenham believes Postecoglou won’t be tempted by the England job, but City is a different matter.
Guardiola has admitted he is considering leaving, which puts Tottenham in a precarious position. Despite missing out on a top-four finish, Postecoglou has excited Spurs fans with his attacking football, even after losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. There is optimism for another push for Champions League qualification and silverware this season.
When asked about managing England, Postecoglou said, “I was having a nap this afternoon. I have no idea. I’m the Tottenham manager and I’m determined to bring success to this club. That’s where my focus is totally.” He dismissed speculation linking him to Liverpool in a similar manner last February, stating, “I may be on a shortlist. I don’t think I want to say anything about that because I don’t think that’s ever going to enter my brain space for what my priorities in life and profession right now.”
Postecoglou has yet to be asked about managing City, while Guardiola remains undecided about his future at the Etihad Stadium, with his contract expiring in 2025. After winning the Premier League, Guardiola said, “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see. What I want for my players is to enjoy two or three days [of this title success] and then we have two days to prepare for the final. But right now I don’t know what exactly the motivation is to do it [next season] because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done. But knowing the players and myself, I know that when we are there we will say why should we not win today? Why should we not work as much as possible to do what we have to do? And I know we are going to do it [work].”
