On Saturday, it was Thomas Tuchel, Romelu Lukaku and Jorginho. On Tuesday, Mauricio Pochettino, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Sunday brings Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
So why would Pep Guardiola want to give up such a fabulous battle of skill and wit for international football as he suggested? What would be in it for him?
Novelty, true. Guardiola has never coached at international level and who wouldn’t be inspired by the thought of winning a World Cup? Yet Guardiola at Stamford Bridge last Saturday was a study in intensity.
He is a tracksuit manager, thriving on the constant tests of elite-level competition.