Expert: Guardiola 'used' England talks to land improved Man City deal

Pep Guardiola used speculation about the England job to land an improved contract at Man City amid talks over a new deal.

This is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the boss never intended to take the job, despite being the FA’s number-one target.

Brown’s claims come shortly after Football Insider revealed on 18 October that Guardiola is “likely to sign” a new deal at the Etihad after rebuffing England’s interest.

Thomas Tuchel has since been chosen as the man to lead the national team, with reports claiming the Man City boss is now in line for a one-year extension.

It has been said that the speculation about his potential departure allowed the Spaniard to prove his value to City.

His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and speculation about whether he could leave the Etihad had been growing.

Despite that, Brown has insisted it would always have been Guardiola’s plan to commit his future to Man City as he wants to continue the success he has achieved in England.

Pep Guardiola to sign new Man City deal after England talks

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently told Football Insider that signing a new one-year deal at City would be a “very clever” move by the boss.

Brown, who worked closely with managers including Sir Alex Ferguson throughout his extensive career in the game, insisted that Guardiola was never likely to take the England job.

“He used the England situation to up his Man City ratings,” he told Football Insider.

“There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as all parties are aware of what’s happening.

“When the England thing came up in press conferences, he never answered questions, he skirted around it.

“I don’t think he was ever likely to take that job.

“They obviously decided they wanted him as their first choice, but he strung them along.

“He could’ve made his intentions clear from the start by clarifying his position instead of saying he hadn’t made a decision and all of that.

“Pep used that situation to improve his own position.”

In other news, insider shares real reason Lucas Paqueta transfer fell through.

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The post Expert: Guardiola 'used' England talks to land improved Man City deal appeared first on Football Insider.