Pep Guardiola has addressed mounting speculation about his future at Manchester City, insisting that no decision has been made and that he will hold talks with club officials next week. Reports emerged on Monday evening claiming the Catalan manager had already decided to leave the Etihad after a decade of unprecedented success, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca tipped as his successor.
Guardiola's Contract and Post-Match Comments
Speaking after City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night, which effectively ended their hopes of a seventh Premier League title under his tenure, Guardiola reiterated that he remains under contract until June 2027. 'I could say I have one more year of contract and with conversations I have had for many, many years always from my experience, when you announce whatever you announce during the competition is a bad, bad result,' he told Sky Sports.
The 55-year-old emphasized that the first person he must speak with is chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. 'Like you understand, the first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we decided when the finish the season we will sit and we will talk. Simple as that. And after we will take the decision.'
Focus on the Season
Guardiola stressed that his immediate focus remains on the team's performances. 'Listen, I have one more year contract, I will not tell you here because I have to talk to my chairman, my players, my staff. When we play for the FA Cup, before we qualify for the Champions League, we play for the Premier League, there is just one thing in my mind and the focus is try to win the team to the highest points and we have done.'
He also expressed his deep affection for the club, stating, 'I am the happiest man on the planet to be at this club; this club is just extraordinary. At the moment the season is over for us, we want to arrive in the last game with our fans but I know they will come. In 10 seasons they have been good in many, many moments and that is what we have to do until the end.'
Congratulations to Arsenal
Guardiola also took the opportunity to congratulate Arsenal and former colleague Mikel Arteta on winning the Premier League title. 'On behalf of all Manchester City and my team, congratulations Arsenal, Mikel his staff, backroom staff, all the players, fans for this Premier League. They deserve it.'
City fans showed their support for Guardiola during the match, displaying banners urging him to stay. The manager's future remains uncertain, but he has made it clear that no final decision will be made until after the season concludes.
