Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been nominated for the UEFA Men's Coach of the Year, it has been announced.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach underwent yet another successful campaign in his sixth year as Manchester City manager.
While silverware was absent in both domestic cup competitions in England, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City squad secured their fourth Premier League crown in the last five seasons.
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Courtesy of a dramatic final day victory - coming from behind to defeat Aston Villa 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium - City beat rivals Liverpool to the title by just one point.
Elsewhere in the 2021/22 season, Guardiola also guided Manchester City to another Champions League semi-final.
Unfortunately for the English top-flight giants, a dramatic comeback from Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu saw the La Liga giants progress to a showpiece Paris final against Liverpool.
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Nevertheless, the quality and success of Pep Guardiola's coaching last season has been recognised by UEFA this week.
The Manchester City manager has this week been included in a three-man shortlist for the UEFA Men's Coach of the Year.
Alongside the Catalan tactician are Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp.
Guardiola will be hoping to improve on his European legacy during his time at Manchester City, and secure the elusive Champions League title.
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That would be the club's first ever in it's long history.
Guardiola's competitors for the UEFA Men's Coach of the Year have both reached the European final on multiple occasions.
For the aforementioned Catalan, his success in the tournament came during his groundbreaking time with FC Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola is now embarking on his seventh season as Manchester City manager.
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However, the 2022/23 season comes around with some element of uncertainty, as it is currently the final season of contract for Guardiola - with his current deal set to expire next summer.
Among City fans, there is a sense of optimism.
The forward-thinking nature of the club's signings, and the positivity that surrounds the recruitment of Erling Haaland, would indicate that Pep Guardiola is all-but ready to put pen to paper on an extension.
Although to date, there is no indication of progressing talks, how long an extension could be, or when the current City coach plans to depart the Etihad Stadium.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, La Liga