Pep Guardiola is available on the market after his contract with Manchester City expired, but he has said just like Jürgen Klopp when he left Liverpool two years ago that he needs a break. While Klopp is very likely to be Germany’s new national team manager after they crashed out of the World Cup against Paraguay, Brazil will soon be vacant after being eliminated against Norway.
After Brazil’s humiliating World Cup exit against Norway, the Catalan has gone from being a desire to becoming a popular demand.
The 2-1 loss to Norway – with two goals from Erling Haaland and an assist from Andreas Schjelderup – has opened up a deep crisis in the world’s most decorated football nation. Brazil, with five World Cup titles and expectations for Carlo Ancelotti, are out in the last eight. Now the criticism is fierce: against the game plan, the handling of key players – and the lack of a recognizable identity.
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Carlo Ancelotti wants to stay – but the pressure is mounting
Carlo Ancelotti has shown no intention of resigning. The Italian, who came to lead a long-term rebuild, believes that this loss should not tear down the entire process. His idea is to rethink the foundations, rejuvenate certain positions and restore competitiveness against European opponents.
But the situation is unpleasant. The Brazilian Football Federation invested in a top coach to break a drought that now spans six World Cups without a title – since 2002. To be eliminated in the last eight, and in an unconvincing way, turns any continuation plan into a risky political and sporting game.
Pep Guardiola – perfect for Brazil
Being a national team manager, especially with a long time to go until the next World Cup, is a middle ground between a gap year and managing a club. – We think it is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola, who also has good experience with superstars from both Barcelona and Manchester City.
Read: Norway’s World Cup triumph sends Wayne Rooney to the rowing boat, but cheats Liverpool supporters for “event of the year”
In this atmosphere, Pep Guardiola appears as an almost idealized figure. It is not just about a prestigious coach, but about a leader associated with structure, high pressure, offensive automatisms and ball possession. For a team that feels it has lost joy, aggression and continuity, the Catalan represents a radical break with the failed model.
Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City adds extra excitement. After a historic decade in England – with a collection of titles that changed the club – the Catalan is now available. Although his inner circle has always suggested that he will not decide under external pressure.
For the Brazilian Football Federation, an attempt to sign Guardiola would involve a massive financial and symbolic operation. It’s not just about convincing a coach, but about selling an entire project: caps, sporting control, generational renewal – and real freedom of action to implement a football philosophy.
Canarinha has talent. But they need direction – and a clear plan.
The way forward
Currently, the debate is raging both on the streets and in the offices. Ancelotti wants to resist and rebuild. The stands require an immediate boost. And Pep Guardiola has become the name that encapsulates the frustration – and hope – of an entire football nation.
If the federation chooses to speed up the process, Guardiola will be the man who sets the agenda.
