I would rather play golf than coach Manchester United or Real Madrid, says Pep Guardiola. | Photo Credit: AP

Key Highlights Pep Guardiola said he doesn't see himself joining rival clubs Manchester United or Real Madrid in future Pep Guardiola said he will rather spend his time playing golf than accept offers from United and Real Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted he will not coach arch-rivals Manchester United or Real Madrid in the future. Guardiola's comments came ahead of his side's clash against United in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. The former Barcelona manager said he will rather play golf than coach a rival team from the past or the present.

Guardiola was once a favourite to take over at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retired. However, the Spaniard ended up joining Bayern Munich after leaving Barcelona in 2013. He is regarded as one of the finest managers of all time and is credited to have transformed Manchester City into one of the best teams in the world.

Had Ferguson managed to convince Guardiola to join United post his retirement, things could have been drastically different for the Red Devils who are yet to win a Premier League trophy since the departure of the Scot. However, Guardiola reckons there is no chance he will be joining United in future.

"After training City I won't train United. It is like I would never train Madrid. Definitely not," said Guardiola ahead of his side's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. When asked if he would reconsider his decision if United and Madrid are only jobs open for him, Guardiola said he would rather spend his time playing golf.

"I'd be in the Maldives if I don't have any offers! Maybe not the Maldives because it doesn't have any golf courses," said the Manchester City boss. Manchester United have been far from their best under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and there have been questions raised over his future at the club. United are currently placed fifth on the Premier League points table with 31 points from 21 games.

Having defeated arch-rivals City in the Premier League in their last meeting, United will be looking to repeat the feat in the Carabao Cup semi-final. While Ole has faced criticism from pundits for not being ruthless against his players after losses against small teams, Guardiola backed the Norwegian and said he should be what he is and not change.

“Ole is who he is. If he wants to smile, it’s perfect, if he wants to conduct the team in that way, why should he change? Everyone is everyone. Some are more expressive, others are calm, others shout more on the touchline, others sit. Who is better? The guy who wins the last weekend. That is the best manager," said Guardiola.

“If you react in that way it’s perfect, that’s the way he is. That’s all. That is not debatable. I’m pretty sure when he doesn’t win he’s sad and if wins he is happy. It’s normal. If he wants to smile, what’s the problem? If he wants to shout what’s the problem?" he added.