Just last week, the question of who would be the next England manager appeared to be answered when Lee Carsley shortened to 6/5 in the betting, with few seemingly viable alternatives queuing up behind him.
However, things have changed in recent days, and the man who currently has temporary control of the Three Lions has drifted. Meanwhile, someone who previously looked to be nothing but a token inclusion in the market, has emerged as a shock favourite.
The man in question is none other than football management icon and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
The betting market for the next England manager shows us that Guardiola’s chances (according to the market) of being named as the next permanent have increased somewhat dramatically.
Last week, the Spaniard, who has managed some of the biggest clubs in world football but is yet to take charge of a nation, was as big as 10/1 to get the job, but something has clearly changed.
After a weekend which saw Guardiola’s Manchester City thump newly-promoted Ipswich, the multiple Champions League title-winning manager is now ahead of Carsley in the betting at 2/1.
Why Pep Guardiola England manager odds are now just 2/1
Firstly, Manchester City’s legal issues are clearly not going to be swept under the carpet, meaning that a points deduction is likely. Therefore, the near future could be the right time for Guardiola to make a move.
Moreover, Pep has never really been a long-haul manager, often citing the desire to challenge himself as a reason for wanting to move on. His current stint at the Etihad is the longest of his managerial career, so perhaps it’s logical that he’s looking for a new opportunity.
Arguably, the most significant change, the one prompting the significant drop in odds, is the fact that the Football Association has vocalised a willingness to wait for Guardiola to become available, alluding to the fact that the Man City manager is their first-choice candidate.
Three Lions success could cement his status as a true managerial great
Guardiola is already thought of as not just one of the best managers of his generation, but as a pioneer of the game, with his methods becoming something of a blueprint for teams across the globe.
However, despite enjoying vast success at club level, the Spaniard probably has a niggling feeling that international success would cement his position as an all-time great.
After all, while the England job is seen as a poisoned chalice by many, for someone like Guardiola, the prospect of being the man to end the Three Lions’ trophy drought could be incredibly enticing. As ever, time will soon reveal all.
Do you fancy Guardiola to take charge of the Three Lions? If you took some of the 10/1 available last week, then well done, you’ve certainly bagged yourself value for money given the sudden drop in price. If you’re still looking to bet on him, then you might want to be quick.
See also: The Manchester City legend who believes Guardiola would be a good fit for the England job.
Freelance sports and sports betting writer with more than a decade of experience writing a variety of betting articles, covering several sports and gambling topics.
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