Guardiola: The rumors about me coaching the England national team are not true

As a guest on the Italian TV show *Che Tempo Che Fa*, Pep Guardiola addressed rumors about him coaching the England national team, stating that they are not true. Additionally, when discussing Lionel Messi, Guardiola once again emphasized that Messi is the greatest player of all time.

Guardiola said: "I'm a little tired, which happens to everyone sometimes, but in the end, we love what we do. I'm still very happy." The Spanish coach also talked about the trophies he has won, stating: "I've won the treble twice? I’m quite something (laughs). I’ve worked at three fantastic clubs, including my beloved Barcelona."

Johan Cruyff was an important mentor for Guardiola, who said: "I can't imagine what my life and career would have been like without Cruyff. He taught me a lot about tactics, but more importantly, he shaped me as a person. He was a genius, one of a kind. He made me fall in love with football."

Guardiola then spoke about his late mentor, the Italian coach Carlo Mazzone: "When he first saw me, he told me he didn't want me, but in important moments, he was always by my side. He was an old-school coach, and his wit was incredible."

Guardiola also reminisced about playing alongside Roberto Baggio at Brescia, though with some regret: "I met Baggio at the end of his career, when his knees were already injured, but he was still the best. I can only imagine what he was like at his peak. He was a radiant person, an incredible individual. He earned people's admiration, not just because he was a great player. I don't think there's anywhere in Italy where people don't love him."

When talking about Messi, Guardiola said: "First of all, it's important to understand who Messi is, but for me, it's simple: he is the greatest player of all time. Perhaps saying this is disrespectful to others like Pelé or Maradona, but I can’t imagine anyone maintaining such a high level for so long like Messi."

"I saw that guy train every day and play incredible matches every three days. When you see him up close, you realize just how special he is. We were lucky to witness him. He’s beautiful, as Paolo Sorrentino (Italian director, known for *The Great Beauty*) would say."

Finally, when talking about his future, Guardiola said: "My time at Manchester City isn't over yet; I still need to think about things. My future in Italy? If Baggio comes with me, I’ll go. The rumors about me becoming the England national team coach aren’t true. I haven't made any decisions yet, but when I decide about my future at City, I’ll let you know. In life, anything is possible."