Pep Guardiola: ‘I need a new challenge, and I want to be a manager in England’

Guardiola linked with both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal 
• Confirms plan to leave Bayern Munich for England at end of season

Pep Guardiola has alerted Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea to his availability by confirming he is leaving Bayern Munich in the close season so he can manage in the Premier League.

The Spaniard’s desire to work in England has been an open secret but his public confirmation of this quickens the pace in the race to land a coach viewed by many as the world’s finest.

Guardiola said: “I need a new challenge and I want to use that chance to be a manager in England. I want to experience the atmosphere in England and I look forward to the stadiums there. I am 44 and it is the right time. There are offers but I haven’t signed for anyone yet. When I have a new club I will let everyone know.”

Privately, City are optimistic of persuading Guardiola to join them. Their manager, Manuel Pellegrini, signed a contract extension in the summer to June 2017 but given City’s admiration for Guardiola it seems unlikely the Chilean will remain, even if he guides the club to a second Premier League title in three years.

Pellegrini was asked on Tuesday about Guardiola’s ambition to work in England. “I don’t have a reaction about that or feelings on other managers,” he said. Pushed on the issue again, he said: “It is a question I answered two weeks ago when I said no more about that.”

When Guardiola was in charge at Barcelona he worked with Ferran Soriano, now City’s chief executive, and with the sporting director Txiki Begiristain. Guardiola remains in regular contact with Begiristain, in particular, and City believe this relationship can help to land the Bayern coach.

The executive at the Etihad Stadium face a fight for him, though. United and Chelsea also would seriously consider appointing Guardiola. Louis van Gaal has eased the pressure a little on his position as United manager following the draw with Chelsea and Saturday’s victory over Swansea City. But the latter was a first win in nine games and although the Old Trafford hierarchy are supportive, the Dutchman’s job remains in the balance unless he can revive United’s title challenge.

Chelsea need to appoint a permanent manager following the sacking of José Mourinho. Roman Abramovich, the owner, is keen to persuade Guardiola to replace the Portuguese as permanent manager. The club is being led by Guus Hiddink on an interim basis.

Guardiola does not believe Bayern’s season will be affected by his decision. “The atmosphere in the Bayern squad is super and I will do everything I can to keep it that way,” he said.

“I will give my absolute best until the end. If I was 60 or 65 I would have stayed but I think I am too young. It was a dream, it is a dream. I am very grateful to Bayern for this huge opportunity. I will not take any players. They have to stay here.”