According to German daily Bild, Guardiola gave his decision to Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge “last week” amid reports from Spain suggested Carlo Ancelotti was poised to replace him.
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Guardiola, who joined the Bavarians in 2013 after leading Barcelona to 14 titles in four years, is one of the most sought-after coaches in world football. There have been rumors about him moving to England to prove himself throughout Europe, and there are admirers within the Premier League.
Manchester City would appear to be Guardiola’s most likely destination despite continued, and consistent, firm denials from the club that they are prepared to replace their manager Manuel Pellegrini.
So far, Manchester City is rumored to have already snatched Pep from Germany.
The news will be of massive significance to Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, who are now surveying the managerial landscape amid doubts over their current bosses.
“Tonight I have no answer”, he said after Bayern’s DFP Pokal victory over Darmstadt.
Spanish radio station Cadena Cope revealed that Ancelotti “has confirmed to Bayern Munich that he’ll take over from Pep Guardiola” despite interest from Manchester United.
Guardiola has reportedly told Bayern Munich that he is going to leave the club at the end of the season, when his three-year contract with the club expires and seek new challengers.
‘He always joked the day I stopped being his assistant he’d have to pack it all in and retire.
The presence of his former Barcelona collegaues chief executive, Ferran Soriano, and the director of football, Txiki Begiristain, at the Etihad, have strengthened the belief that Guardiola will be the next City manager. But the talks will be held after the Hannover match, and we’ll then announce a decision.
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Bayern are already certain to secure the tag of “winter champions”, having opened a five-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund who travel to Cologne on Saturday.
