Last season at Manchester City? Pep Guardiola provides clarity

Last season at Manchester City? Pep Guardiola provides clarity

Pep Guardiola, from New York – as reported by the Bbc website – puts the brakes on rumors that he is in his last season at the helm of Manchester City.

"Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I do not rule out extending the contract. I want to make sure it is the right decision for the club and the players. When I decide, I will talk about it with my CEO and sports director. But I want to start the season and see how things go. After that, we will see. I did not say I would leave".

The Catalan coach in the aftermath of the historic fourth consecutive Premier League title had raised doubts about his own future, saying he was "closer to leaving than staying". Now, on the eve of the new season, he has not ruled out continuing his adventure at City even after his contract expires in June 2025. For eight seasons on the Manchester City bench, Guardiola has won the league on six occasions, with a total haul of 17 trophies.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said he hopes to be in charge of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the United States next summer, but he is unsure about the tournament itself, which is at the center of a dispute between world governing body Fifa and major players unions. City could end up playing 75 matches over the course of the season, starting with the Community Shield with Manchester United at Wembley on Aug. 10 and ending with the Club World Cup final to be held in the United States on July 13.