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England desperate to appoint Pep Guardiola as manager
England’s Football Association would consider appointing an interim manager to try and coax Pep Guardiola to become the England boss if he does decide to leave Manchester City in 2025.
While it is not the FA’s first choice to wait, the Catalan represents such an outstanding candidate it would at least bring a re-assessment if there was any chance of getting him.
Gareth Southgate’s resignation was announced on Tuesday morning, just two days after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, putting into action a long-prepared FA plan for his departure.
The priority is for a manager who understands the culture of the national team, which Guardiola fits into perfectly having spent eight years in England and supplied so many players.
He has naturally been high on any ideal list, but previously, the feeling was that it would be near impossible to get him out of City for such a job.
There is now a feeling within the English champions that Guardiola might leave at the end of the 2024-25 season. Complicating his future is the ongoing Premier League investigation into City over the hundred-plus charges for alleged breaches of rules on financial regulation. The club stress their innocence.
Who are the contenders to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager?
Guardiola has previously expressed interest in going into international management, although primarily on the romance of coaching Brazil. In such a scenario that he might be interested, the FA would seek to play up the idea of ending England’s long wait for an international trophy. Guardiola does not have a particular interest in managing Spain due to identifying as a Catalan.
One problem is that the 53-year-old may not even decide until the end of the 2024-25 season, as has been the case in recent campaigns. That may not prove completely off-putting, however.
While the FA have stressed their intention to make a quick decision, that can involve an interim; qualification for the 2026 World Cup doesn’t start until late March.
Under-21 manager Lee Carsley would be seen as someone ready to step up, given he is currently a candidate for the senior job. Any success in such games could even see him promoted if Guardiola does not ultimately leave City or want the job.
Figures with knowledge of the situation have also pointed out that the FA were prepared to wait for Sarina Wiegman on the women’s team because they felt she was the right choice.
Regarding candidates the FA would seek to go for immediately, Newcastle United have already let it be known they would work to keep Eddie Howe.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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