For a few years now, there’s a big debate in Brazil over whether the national team should call a foreign manager to take charge.
With the Seleção winning five World Cups with Brazilian coaches, the old-fashioned fans tend to say there’s no need for someone from abroad, while others claim it’s time for a change.
It turns out that when naming potential candidates for that job, there’s always a specific manager in the conversation. That’s Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
There was even a campaign for the Catalan coach to take charge back in 2012, and even though it didn’t happen, his signing is still talked about. This week, it was former Barcelona midfielder Edmilson who spoke about it in an interview with Podpah.
The World Cup winner first claimed he’d like Tite to be sacked before the tournament next year. And when speaking of potential candidates, he says the Manchester City manager should be the one.
“It’s difficult to have a good name, if you don’t bring someone from abroad… not to take someone’s space, but to add to our football. We’re rooting for a coach who improves football,” said Edmilson.
“I’d invest in a foreigner, I would pay whatever it takes for Guardiola to come.”
Speaking to the Brazilian media this year, Guardiola was asked about the chances of taking charge of the national team, and did not rule out the possibility.
“A national team, yes. Next step will be a national team, yes, if there is a possibility. A national team is a next step,” he said.
“I must take a break after seven years, I need to stop and see, learn from other coaches, and maybe take that path. I would like to train in a Euros, a Copa America, a World Cup.”
