Pep won’t follow Hodgson’s lead for length of service
PEP GUARDIOLA has categorically ruled out staying in football for as long as Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodgson, the Premier League’s oldest-ever manager at the age of 71.
Hodgson could shatter Manchester City’s title hopes today if he completes an unlikely league double at Selhurst Park following Palace’s shock 3-2 win at the Etihad in December.
Guardiola is an admirer of the veteran former England manager but insists he won’t be emulating his longevity.
‘In my case, impossible,’ said the City manager. ‘I am curious to do other things before I die. I love my job but I’m always thinking about doing something different in the future with my wife and family.
‘This is my 10th season as a manager. Never in the best dreams could I imagine how good it is, but it’s so stressed and demanding.’
Guardiola, 48, hasn’t a retirement date in his mind but his stance makes it unlikely he will build a long-term dynasty at City as Sir Alex Ferguson did at Manchester United. He is under contract until 2021.
‘There will be a few more years, then experience something else. I am just having fun, preparing games, next season and then after we will see. 71, no way!’ he added.
‘Roy Hodgson is incredible. You need a special passion to work for as long as him, I don’t think others can do it.’
Guardiola took a year’s sabbatical in 2012 between his spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and then joined City in 2016. He admits struggling to switch off from the job even when indulging in his favourite hobby, golf.
‘This weekend is is the Masters but even watching that my mind will sometimes be on football. It is always present in our lives. Addictive,’ he said.
‘There are so many things to do to prepare. What to say to the players, training sessions. Football never ends. You never stop thinking.’
City will go top if they beat Palace, with Liverpool kicking off later against Chelsea.
Guardiola’s side lost their first game since January against Spurs in the Champions League in midweek and must juggle today’s game with the second leg on Wednesday night in which he promises: ‘We are going to make an incredible tough game for Tottenham from the beginning, so aggressive.’
The City boss says he will let striker Sergio Aguero choose whether he wants to take the team’s penalty following his spot-kick miss at White Hart Lane.
‘If he believes he is going to score (he can take it),’ said Guardiola. ‘I am not going to call him by telephone from the bench. He has to know it.’
Guardiola also revealed he may change his superstition of not watching City penalties following Aguero’s miss. ‘It’s a ridiculous thing,’ he laughed.
Leroy Sane could be recalled, with the manager adamant the winger’s unresolved contract situation did not impact on selection. ‘My admiration and trust in him is intact, so he’s there,’ said Guardiola.