Pep Guardiola proposes surprise managerial change during Wimbledon visit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been jokingly offered the opportunity to become Alexander Zverev’s tennis coach at Wimbledon.

The 53-year-old, who led Manchester City to a record fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, was invited to Wimbledon’s Royal Box by the All England Club for Sporting Saturday during The Championships last weekend.

Guardiola secured his 17th major title with Manchester City in the recent 2023/24 season, winning a sixth Premier League title in seven years, as well as UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup successes.

The Manchester City manager was alongside a string of sporting legends in the Royal Box in SW19 on Saturday, with an 88-strong guest list including former Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and England women’s captain Leah Williamson.

Also in the royal box were England cricket trio Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, as well as Olympic stars Jason and Laura Kenny, Chris Hoy, Adam Peaty, Jess Ennis-Hill, Denise Lewis, Kadeena Cox, Hannah Cockroft and Bethany Shriever.

Guardiola watched a number of matches, including that of fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who overcame injury and a third-set tiebreak to beat Britain’s Cameron Norrie and reach the fourth round of the Championship.

After beating Norrie in three sets on Centre Court on Saturday, the German tennis star said: “When I saw Pep (Guardiola) I was very nervous for a few games. Thank you very much for coming, it’s a privilege to play.”

“For me and for all tennis players it is an honour to play on this magnificent Centre Court and in front of the Royal Box, we had so many legends of the sport today.

“Last thing… Bayern Munich needs a coach. If you get tired of football, you can coach me on a tennis court at any time.”

The Royal Box has been welcoming the Royal Family and distinguished guests for 102 years, with the Chairman of the All England Club inviting British sporting talent to Centre Court each year for Super Saturday.