Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s highly successful manager, has hinted that he might remain with the club beyond the current season, despite previous statements suggesting he was considering leaving. Speaking to reporters in New York before City’s preseason game against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium, Guardiola clarified his position, emphasizing that no final decision has been made regarding his future.
“Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I don’t rule out extending the contract. I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players,” Guardiola stated. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, sparking widespread speculation about his next move. This speculation was fueled further by his comments after City’s fourth successive Premier League title, where he mentioned being “closer to leaving than staying.
Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been notably successful, with six league titles among a total haul of 17 trophies over eight seasons. His record places him second only to Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of English league titles won.
The manager expressed his desire to participate in the next Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States next summer, although he voiced concerns about the tournament’s format and the ongoing dispute between FIFA and the major players’ unions. The forthcoming season could see City playing as many as 75 matches, starting with the Community Shield against Manchester United on August 10 and potentially ending with the Club World Cup final on July 13.
Striker Erling Haaland commented on the physical demands of such a packed schedule, noting the difficulty in staying sharp across so many games. “It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year,” Haaland remarked, referencing the fatigue visible at the Euros.
Guardiola responded to concerns about player fatigue with a mixture of understanding and firmness. He has allowed players involved in the Copa America and Euro 2024’s latter stages to decide their return dates to pre-season training to avoid burnout. However, he showed little patience for excuses, particularly from Haaland, whose home country, Norway, did not qualify for the Euros. “Has to rest more,” Guardiola said. “If he is tired, go to bed early. Tired is an excuse.”
As the season approaches, the football world will be closely watching Guardiola’s decisions, both in terms of his management of player welfare and his own future with Manchester City.
