Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions, but the result also turned the spotlight on Pep Guardiola's future. Reports have suggested the City boss will leave at the end of the season, bringing a decade-long tenure at the Etihad to a close.
Guardiola, however, insists no decision has been finalised. Speaking after the match, he said he still has one year remaining on his contract and that any announcement would come only after talks with the club's chairman. 'We both decide when we finish the season we will see and talk,' he told Sky Sports.
The City manager added that he remains fully focused on the FA Cup final and securing Champions League qualification, describing himself as 'the happiest man on the planet' at the club. He also noted the demanding schedule, citing travel following the Chelsea game as a factor in his team's performance at Bournemouth.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, however, believes Guardiola's demeanour suggests he is on his way out. 'When he wants to stay he would just say I'm staying,' Richards said. 'The fact he's talking about having a conversation with the chairman says to me he's leaving.'
Guardiola, who has been linked with a succession plan involving Enzo Maresca, insisted City would return stronger next season. 'Next season, we will be back. City will be back,' he said.
