Former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi Hernandez believes Pep Guardiola‘s next managerial adventure could come at international level following the end of his historic spell at Manchester City.
After a decade of unprecedented success at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola officially brought the curtain down on his reign, leaving behind a legacy that transformed both the club and English football.
His departure had been the subject of intense speculation for months before confirmation finally arrived ahead of City’s final match of the season.
The Spaniard received an emotional farewell from supporters, players and club officials as he signed off from a role that delivered some of the most successful years in Manchester City‘s history.
For now, Guardiola has insisted that football will not be his immediate priority. Instead, he plans to spend valuable time with his family and recharge after years of relentless pressure at the highest level of the sport.
However, given his stature and influence within football, speculation about his next destination has already begun.
Among those offering an opinion is Xavi, one of Guardiola’s former players and one of the individuals who knows him best from their time together at Barcelona.
Xavi sees international football as Guardiola’s next frontier
Speaking during a question-and-answer session organised by Heineken ahead of the Champions League final, Xavi paid tribute to Guardiola’s extraordinary impact on football and explained why he believes managing a national team may represent the ideal next step.
The former Barcelona captain was full of praise when discussing the coach who helped shape both his playing career and his understanding of the game.
“If he’s not the best, he’s one of the best,” Xavi said when asked about Guardiola.
“He’s obsessed tactically and I learned a lot from him and his staff.
“He’s an amazing coach, with how he talks to the players and convinces them what they have to do as a team. He’s a legend as a coach.”
Those comments reflect a relationship built on years of success together at Barcelona, where Guardiola’s tactical innovations helped create one of the most admired teams football has ever witnessed.
Under Guardiola, Barcelona became renowned for their possession-based style, technical excellence and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Xavi was at the heart of that side, serving as one of the key architects on the pitch while Guardiola masterminded proceedings from the touchline.
The influence of that period continues to be felt throughout football today, with coaches around the world adopting elements of Guardiola’s philosophy.
Yet despite his immense achievements at club level, one challenge remains missing from Guardiola’s coaching résumé — international management.
It is this factor that leads Xavi to believe a move into the national team arena could be the most logical next chapter.
According to the former midfielder, Guardiola has little left to prove in club football after conquering virtually every major competition available to him.
Whether at Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester City, the 55-year-old has consistently delivered trophies, developed elite players and transformed teams into dominant forces.
As a result, Xavi feels the opportunity to lead a country at a major tournament could provide the fresh motivation Guardiola may be seeking.
Discussing where his former manager could go next, Xavi said: “He’s a genius and you never know in the brain of a genius and what he will do but if I have to say something, maybe he’s waiting for a national team.
“In terms of clubs, he did everything so I think the new challenge for him will be a national team.”
The suggestion is one that many within football have considered in recent years.
England mentioned as possible destination
The discussion took an interesting turn when host Olivia Buzaglo asked Xavi whether Guardiola’s future could potentially involve managing either Spain or England.
Both nations have been linked with Guardiola at various points in recent years, largely because of his proven track record and strong connections to their football cultures.
Spain would represent a return to familiar territory for Guardiola, who enjoyed enormous success as both a player and manager in his homeland.
His understanding of Spanish football and his long-standing relationship with many influential figures within the game make him an obvious candidate whenever the national team position becomes available.
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England, meanwhile, has become a country where Guardiola has built a significant part of his legacy.
His decade at Manchester City transformed the Premier League landscape, and his understanding of English football is now deeper than ever.
When asked whether either nation could become Guardiola’s future destination, Xavi did not dismiss the possibility.
“Why not? Spain is so difficult but maybe England.”
Although Guardiola has made no public indication regarding his next coaching role, the comments from Xavi are likely to fuel further debate about where one of football’s most influential figures could reappear.
For now, Guardiola’s focus remains on stepping away from the intensity of management and enjoying a well-earned break after ten demanding years in Manchester.
