Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is closer to leaving Manchester City than staying beyond next season, following the club's historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. The 53-year-old's contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and he revealed that while he intends to stay for now, the future remains uncertain.
Speaking after City's 3-1 victory over West Ham, Guardiola said: 'The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see.'
Guardiola also opened up about the emotional impact of Jürgen Klopp's departure from Liverpool, with his voice wavering as he spoke. 'I will miss him a lot – Jürgen has been a really important part of my life,' he said. 'He brought me to another level as a manager. We respect each other incredibly.'
The City boss admitted that motivation was a challenge after last season's treble, but the prospect of making history drove him on. 'After Istanbul I said: 'It's over, there's nothing left.' But I have a contract, I'm still here. Some moments I'm a bit tired but some of the moments I love.'
City's latest title came after an unbeaten run of 23 league games, finishing on 91 points, two ahead of Arsenal. Guardiola praised Mikel Arteta's side, saying: 'They have had an incredible season. I feel it and they push us to our best.'
