Manchester City legend David Silva has offered a bold suggestion for Pep Guardiola’s next managerial role once his time at the Etihad Stadium comes to an end — and it’s one that could divide opinion both in England and Spain.
Silva urges Pep Guardiola to take over Spain national team job after current head coach Luis de la Fuente eventually steps down.
The Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in City’s history, believes Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and philosophy would perfectly complement Spain’s modern footballing identity, even though such a move would come with controversy given Guardiola’s Catalan roots and political stance.
Silva backs Guardiola for Spain job
Having spent a decade under Guardiola’s influence at Manchester City, Silva knows better than most what makes the Catalan tactician one of the most admired coaches in the world. Between 2010 and 2020, Silva played 436 times for City, scoring 77 goals and helping transform the club into a dominant force in English football.
During that period, the playmaker helped the team to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups. Silva’s creativity and intelligence on the pitch were instrumental in establishing the high-tempo, possession-based football that has become synonymous with Guardiola’s City.
The Spanish icon, who also won a World Cup and two European Championships with his country, hung up his boots in 2023 after a successful stint at Real Sociedad. Speaking in a recent interview, Silva revealed his wish for Pep Guardiola to take over Spain national team job — one that would see him return home.
“I’d like to see him as Spain’s manager. Luis de la Fuente is doing a phenomenal job now, but it would be good to have Pep in the future,” Silva told The Mirror.
Silva went on to describe how Guardiola’s methods could elevate Spain’s footballing identity.
“He could bring a style of football based on good ball control and always going out to win games. A bit like the philosophy of the current Spanish national team,” he added.
De la Fuente’s side are currently flying high after their triumph at the European Championships last year, and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, there is no immediate sign that a change in leadership is forthcoming.
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However, Silva’s remarks highlight the respect Guardiola commands among his former players and the belief that his footballing ideology aligns seamlessly with Spain’s national team ethos.
Controversy Over Guardiola’s Political Views
While the idea of Guardiola managing Spain may appeal to football purists, it would not come without complications. The 54-year-old coach is a proud Catalan and has publicly supported the region’s independence movement. He has spoken at pro-independence rallies, most notably in 2017, and has long been an outspoken advocate for Catalonia’s right to self-determination.
That stance would make accepting the Spain job a deeply contentious move — both politically and culturally. Managing the national team could be perceived as a contradiction of his beliefs, and it might spark backlash from both Spanish nationalists and Catalan supporters.
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For Guardiola, the allure of international management remains strong. The three-time Champions League winner has often spoken about his desire to lead a national team, particularly at a World Cup.
However, any move to take charge of Spain would require navigating the delicate political landscape that surrounds Catalonia’s relationship with the rest of the country.
In recent years, Guardiola has been linked with various national teams. At one stage, he was considered a leading candidate for the Brazil job before Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was appointed instead.
What Lies Ahead for Guardiola?
Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City runs until June 2027, marking what would be a remarkable 11-year tenure if completed — an extraordinary period of stability for a manager known for his intensity and meticulous approach.
However, the Catalan tactician has often hinted at the need for breaks between projects. After leaving Barcelona in 2012, he took a sabbatical before joining Bayern Munich, and he has suggested that he will once again take time away from football after eventually leaving City.
City are reportedly keen to extend his stay beyond 2027, though persuading Guardiola to commit further could prove challenging. His hunger for new experiences and desire to test himself in different environments may eventually push him toward international football.
