Pep Guardiola has addressed his future at Manchester City after responding to speculation linking him with the Brazil national team job.

The five-time Premier League winning-coach has entered the final year of his contract and it was widely expected during the summer that he was planning to leave in 2025.

Director of football Txiki Begiristain, a close ally of Guardiola’s, will be replaced by Hugo Viana after his arrival was announced in October.

But according to The Athletic, there is now a ‘stronger school of thought’ that Guardiola will stay at City for one more year, before working towards his next role in his distinguished career.

Guardiola is yet to decide on his future, but the club have apparently noted a ‘change in atmosphere’ at the Etihad. While it was previously thought that he would depart after what would be nine years in charge, a contract extension remains a possibility.

In the past, the 53-year-old has penned new deals in November both in 2020 and 2022. And with the international break fast approaching, it would be an opportune time to sit down to discuss the situation.

If he does leave, it is understood Guardiola’s next role could see him follow the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel by moving into international management in time for the 2030 World Cup.

Speculation persists that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are keen to hire Guardiola after contacting him on several occasions this year. The same report adds Guardiola ‘likes the thought’ of managing the Selecao, who are struggling under current boss Dorival Junior.

When asked by a reporter about his chances of taking charge of Brazil’s national team, Guardiola responded with a tongue-in-cheek remark before reaffirming his commitment to the Premier League champions.

“After a 4-1 defeat, I’m no longer an option,” Guardiola joked, before adding. “More than ever, I want to lift up the team [Manchester City] and return them to their top level.”

While some managers would dread being handed a number of injuries in a small squad, Guardiola has insisted he relishes the challenge of managing a small squad despite losing three games in a row for the first time since April 2018.

“It is a tough challenge, but I am here,” he added. “It will be a tough season – we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.”