Pep Guardiola Falls Victim to Elaborate International Deception Scheme
The All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) has issued an official statement clarifying that Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, never submitted an application to serve as the new head coach for India's men's national football squad.
In early July, India confirmed the mutual termination of Manolo Márquez's contract. The federation reports receiving 170 coaching applications for the open role, with two submissions allegedly from Spanish coaches.
The AIFF claimed to have received interest not only from Guardiola but also from former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández filling their application pool. Predictably, both supposed applications were dismissed as fraudulent.
"The AIFF received correspondence containing applications from Spanish managers Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernández," stated an official release. "We could not verify the legitimacy of these applications, and it has subsequently been determined that these email submissions were fabricated."
Xavi's alleged interest couldn't be dismissed as readily as the false Guardiola connection. While City has secured their manager through a deal lasting until summer 2027, the former Barcelona midfielder has remained unemployed since his dismissal from his childhood club in June 2024. Xavi's previous coaching stint in Qatar with Al Sadd also suggests an openness to opportunities beyond European football.
Though Guardiola won't be heading to New Delhi anytime soon, he has consistently expressed his ambition to enter international coaching. "I would love to participate in a World Cup, European Championship, or Copa América," he shared with Reuters in June. "It's something I've always considered. But it depends on numerous factors. If the opportunity arises, excellent. If not, that's perfectly acceptable too."
Before pursuing worldwide success, Guardiola must concentrate on returning Manchester City to their championship form. The 54-year-old unexpectedly renewed his commitment at the Etihad last November amid a period that would become the most challenging stretch of his coaching tenure. The former title holders eventually rebounded to secure third place, though they suffered elimination from this summer's Club World Cup in the round of 16.
Explaining his surprising contract extension, Guardiola stated: "It's about demonstrating to myself that I'm capable, I don't want to carry the disappointment from last season. Because victory makes everything sweeter afterward, you rest better. I've never met a coach who loses matches and sleeps peacefully. That's impossible. You must feel concerned. That's our reality."