Pep Guardiola has moved swiftly to quash speculation about his Manchester City future, insisting he plans to see out his contract at the Etihad Stadium. The news headlines a busy day of Premier League press conferences, with updates on Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Arsenal's record signing, and injury blows at Bournemouth.
Guardiola Commits to City Amid Exit Rumours
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola delivered a firm message regarding his future, stating there are "no discussions – end of the subject" about him leaving the club prematurely. Recent reports had suggested the club were making contingency plans should the 54-year-old depart at the end of the current campaign.
Guardiola, whose contract runs until June 2027, was unequivocal. "I will not be eternally here," he acknowledged, "but I’ve said before I will not be here for ever. None of us will be for ever in this world but there are no discussions." He expressed his continued delight and excitement with the team's development, aiming to focus on the immediate challenge of facing West Ham this weekend.
Liverpool and Arsenal Look to Move Forward
Elsewhere, Liverpool manager Arne Slot declared that the club has "moved on" from the recent controversy surrounding star forward Mohamed Salah. Salah had caused a stir with a candid interview two weeks ago but returned to the squad as a substitute in last week's win over Brighton.
"Actions speak louder than words and we moved on," Slot stated, adding that Salah's current involvement with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations allows all parties to focus on their immediate objectives. Liverpool will assess Dominik Szoboszlai's fitness ahead of their trip to Tottenham after the midfielder suffered an ankle injury.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has backed striker Viktor Gyökeres to improve in the second half of the season. The £64m signing has six goals in 18 appearances but hasn't scored since returning from injury. "We need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better," Arteta said, expressing confidence that the 27-year-old will reach another level.
Injury Blows and Managerial Pressure
Bournemouth received a significant setback with the news that midfielder Tyler Adams will be sidelined for at least two months with a medial collateral ligament injury sustained at Manchester United. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the blow, describing Adams as an important player for the team.
Further down the table, Burnley boss Scott Parker admitted to feeling the pressure as his side languishes near the foot of the Premier League. Having lost their last seven games, Parker insisted the fear of failure drives him. "I’m a winner, I’m a fighter," he stated, while acknowledging the hurt caused by recent fan criticism.
Finally, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke revealed the club is open to strengthening in the January transfer window but warned of the market's difficulties. "I’m very picky in January," Farke said, highlighting the challenges of integrating players mid-season without a pre-season. His side faces Crystal Palace this weekend buoyed by a recent improved run of form.
