Pep Guardiola tipped to follow Jurgen Klopp’s lead when he leaves Man City despite links with vacant England job
MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott is tipping Pep Guardiola to take a break from football once he leaves the Etihad, just like Jurgen Klopp.
Guardiola‘s deal with City runs out in June and he has yet to decide on his future, which means the popular manager could leave at the end of the season.
Rumours have suggested the Spanish tactician could be approached by England, and the 53-year-old refused to rule that job out after previously suggesting he’d be open to international football.
Lescott, 41, doesn’t know what the Catalan head coach, who has confirmed he won’t stay at City “eight more years”, will ultimately decide to do.
The ex-England international, though, doesn’t believe Guardiola is looking for a brighter project than City, where last season he won a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Instead, the former centre-back expects the Barcelona legend to make a decision based on how he feels.
Lescott believes that another successful season would take a toll and Guardiola would deserve to take a break after eight glittering years in Manchester.
That is why the TV pundit doesn’t expect the ex-Bayern Munich boss to rush into another job when he ultimately leaves City, just like Klopp who is still enjoying some down time after nine stunning years at Liverpool.
The German tactician won everything with the Reds and revealed he decided to leave as he ran out of energy after repeated success at Anfield took a lot out of him.
Lescott told SunSport: “I’m sure there are conversations. Who knows? Only Pep will know what he wants to do.
“And it’s early to say because if they were to go on and win everything then I’m sure that takes a different toll on you – mentally and physically – than it will do if you’re less successful and there’s still something left to give.
“But again, as the season unfolds he spoke about addressing it when the time is right and he doesn’t feel the time is right. So we have to take it as he’s happy and he’s comfortable to stay.
“But I don’t think he’s looking for an alternative where the grass is greener. I think he will decide based on how he feels, and he’s earned the right to do that.
“So like I said, whether it’s after a hugely successful season – and he feels like he’s given all he can – then he fully deserves to take a break.
“I don’t think – similar to Klopp – he’s going to be eager to rush into another job.
“He spoke on how demanding this has been, so I’m sure when he looks to leave they’re definitely going to be up here at a time where he’s going to distance himself from coaching.”
Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+