Pep Guardiola set to reject United States approach over Mauricio Pochettino replacement

Pep Guardiola is expected to turn down an approach from the United States Soccer Federation as he plans to take a year away from football, leaving officials searching for an alternative to Mauricio Pochettino.

The federation is considering Guardiola as one of its leading candidates to replace Pochettino, who is preparing to become Manchester United manager. However, the Spanish coach is not ready to return to management and wants a full year away from the daily demands of the game before deciding on his next move.

According to the British newspaper the Telegraph, the United States Soccer Federation is expected to contact Guardiola about taking charge of the national team. Sources close to the 55-year-old, though, indicate that the prospect of an immediate return is unlikely to appeal to him, despite his strong relationship with the United States and previous periods living there.

Guardiola has long expressed an interest in managing a national team at a major tournament. His club career has included Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but he has yet to coach at international level.

He previously held talks with the Italian Football Federation over becoming Italy manager, but rejected the opportunity last summer. Italy instead turned to Roberto Mancini. Guardiola was also considered by the English Football Association before Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in 2024.

The prospect of managing England holds particular appeal for Guardiola, while he has also spoken of his admiration for Brazil and its famous yellow shirt. Those interests have reinforced the view that an international opportunity remains one of his ambitions for the future.

Pochettino prepares for Manchester United move

Guardiola’s reluctance to return now could force the United States to focus on other candidates, with the federation needing to appoint a successor to Pochettino ahead of its next commitments.

Pochettino is expected to take charge of Manchester United after completing his work with the United States. His final match is expected to be Wednesday’s Concacaf Nations League quarter-final second leg against Haiti, with the United States leading 6-0 from the first game.

The Argentine will then begin his new job with a match against Liverpool on 22 November. Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick after securing only one win in their opening 10 Premier League games, leaving them 18th with 8 points and in the relegation places.

United’s difficulties have also extended to the Champions League. They are 17th in the league phase with 6 points after two wins and two defeats.

They opened with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah, then lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid and 4-1 to Como before beating Roma 3-2 in their fourth-round fixture.

Despite that win, United are only two points clear of 25th place, the final position outside the next phase. Their schedule is set to become more demanding, beginning with Sporting Lisbon on 25 November, followed by matches against Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.