I’LL HELP YOU
Pep will advise England how to rule world
PEP GUARDIOLA says he would be happy to help if England manager Gareth Southgate wanted to tap into Manchester City’ s secrets ahead of the World Cup.
Guardiola, presiding over an 18-game winning streak for the Premier League leaders, insisted any co-operation could also help him, as he has always been a believer in studying methods from other coaches.
‘Of course I’m able to speak with them, no problem,’ said the City manager. ‘They don’t know it but I will learn from them as well. I’m pretty sure of that.
‘When this happens I try to be smart to take something from them as we can always learn. That is why I’m here in England and why I went to Germany — to learn a different perspective of ways.
‘I was a young manager and travelled around the world to be with other managers to explain to me the secrets or how they think or what they believe.
‘It was a gift to speak to other managers who opened the doors and explained what they believe in, the profession, the locker rooms, the tactics, whatever.’
Guardiola stressed, however, that he should only be seen as a sounding board rather than the Messiah. ‘Of course, in the end all I can say is that afterwards they have to do what they believe — don’t follow me because I have success now, that’s a big mistake,’ he said.
City players will form an important part of Southgate’s squad in Russia, with Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Fabian Delph and Joe Hart, who is currently on loan at West Ham, all in contention for a place in the squad.