Pep Guardiola has moved to quell speculation about his future, publicly stating his desire to remain as Manchester City manager beyond this season. The Catalan boss, who still has 18 months remaining on his current deal, addressed rumours of a potential departure head-on.
Unfinished Business in Manchester
Despite suggestions he could end his decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium next summer, Guardiola insists his work is not done. The 54-year-old manager confirmed no talks have yet taken place with the club's hierarchy regarding an extension, but his personal feeling is clear. He plans to assess his position at the end of the current campaign, but the state of City's squad currently fills him with the hunger to carry on.
"I'm happy here, I want to stay here," Guardiola stated emphatically. "What can I say? The moment I feel that it is done and with the players I cannot squeeze more – or I can’t visualise how we could do better – then I will go home. Still I have the feeling."
Motivation Beyond Trophies
Guardiola, who could see his side go top of the Premier League with a victory over West Ham United this Saturday, explained that his drive comes from the process of improvement, not silverware alone. He pointed to positive developments within the team over the last month as a key source of his current satisfaction.
"Of course I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League but that is not the reason why I wake up in the morning," he revealed. "It’s the process, the journey. To do it better. I'm excited because there is a margin to improve - and that is what I like."
Succession Planning and Past Doubts
The manager's comments come amid growing chatter about potential successors. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who was Guardiola's assistant during the historic Treble-winning campaign, has been frequently mentioned. Other names admired within the City boardroom include Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso and former City captain Vincent Kompany, now managing Bayern Munich.
Guardiola admitted that when he signed his latest contract extension last year, he had come close to leaving following a poor run of results. He maintains that the club, led by Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, must always be prepared for his potential sudden departure, describing himself as a "weird guy" who might one day simply say "ciao ciao".
However, for now, that is not the case. "My feeling right now is good, that’s why I want to continue," Guardiola concluded. "What I’m feeling now is with the players I want to continue as much, and as long as possible."
