Exclusive: Ex-City Player Advises FA Against Appointing Pep Guardiola as England Boss, Favours Eddie Howe
Instead, in bad news for Newcastle fans, Curle believes the governing body should appoint Eddie Howe rather than raid his former club for the sought-after Catalan.
Instead, in bad news for Newcastle fans, Curle believes the governing body should appoint Eddie Howe rather than raid his former club for the sought-after Catalan.
Pep’s Uncertain Interest in England Role
Having lifted 17 major trophies during his time at the Etihad, calls to unveil Guardiola as Southgate’s replacement have grown louder since the 53-year-old’s decision to resign following the European Championships. Although Southgate led his squad into the final, having also reached the last two in 2021, a 2-1 defeat by Spain prolonged the country’s long wait for silverware.
Despite acknowledging Guardiola is a proven winner - something many feel should be a prerequisite in order to make the FA’s shortlist, Curle warned: “Even if Pep was approached, would he take it anyway? I’m not so sure he would.”
“What’s he got to prove to supporters here? Absolutely nothing, that’s the answer,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Financial Motivation Not a Factor
“Money certainly won’t sway him because I’m guessing he’s already got enough of that as it is. I’m pretty sure Pep is nice and comfortable in that regard.”
“All in all, even though it’s a brilliant job and the most prestigious there is for me, I actually reckon it wouldn’t be hugely attractive for him. Yes, he’s brilliant at what he does but I genuinely hope they don’t go for him.”
Eddie Howe: A Long-Term English Solution
Praising the “brilliant work” Southgate performed to transform the Three Lions’ fortunes, Curle continued: “Personally, I’d go for Eddie Howe. He’s English, which I imagine most people would find preferable even though there were a few lads from elsewhere involved with Gareth’s group.”
“But the main thing is the longevity Eddie would provide. If you go for him, I reckon you’re looking at him being there for the next 10 or so years and that’s ideal.”
“I’m not convinced Pep, at this stage of his career, would want to stay in the role that long. I respect him immensely but that’s just how I see it.”
Interim Solutions and Other Candidates
With Guardiola about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, there are suggestions under-21 chief Lee Carsley could be asked to take charge on a temporary basis until his future at City is decided. Tottenham Hotspur’s Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Tuchel and another ex-Chelsea manager - Mauricio Pochettino - have also been mooted for the vacant role
Pep’s Backroom Staff Dilemma
Curle, who made 207 appearances for City and was capped three times by England before retiring as a player, said: “What you've got to remember about Pep isn’t just how brilliant and gifted he is but also that the same goes for everyone he’s got around him.
“He’s earned the right to be able to choose who he works with and I reckon, because of how well they clearly work together, that he’d want to bring most if not all of his backroom staff with him wherever he goes.”
“Would the FA be happy to do that? And even if they were, would all of those people with Pep right now have the right qualifications to be brought on board?”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.