Pep Guardiola has extended his contract as manager of Premier League champions Manchester City for a further two seasons, saying on Thursday “I can't go on now” as the club faces the toughest period of his time at the Etihad Stadium. Have to do it.
There has been speculation that the 53-year-old's City career could be over, with the club facing an uncertain future due to an ongoing hearing into 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules – allegations they strongly deny.
City are currently losing four games in a row in all competitions – excluding penalty shoot-outs, the worst of Guardiola's managerial career – although they remain second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that Guardiola, whose previous deal expires at the end of this season, will stay, although City director of football Txiki Begiristen, a close ally, has already confirmed his exit at the end of the campaign Was.
Yet in an interview with the club's media channels after announcing his contract extension on Thursday, Guardiola said he thought this would be his last season at the Etihad, only to suggest that the current situation at the club made him Inspired to change your mind.
“I thought I couldn't go on anymore, that's all,” he said.
“Don't ask me the reason. Maybe four defeats were the reason and I felt I couldn't go. I felt the club still wanted me or the fact that we were together and that's why we signed.”
He added: “I love living here. I like my work. I would love to be the manager of this club.
“I said many times many years ago, the moment I get that feeling of not being there, even under contract, I will call our president and CEO and say what would be best for the club is for me to go now. will be.
“I don't have that feeling right now and that's why I stepped it up a little more.”
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'Really special feeling'
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Guardiola took charge of City in 2016 and has since won a total of 18 trophies in all competitions, including six Premier League titles, the last four of which came consecutively – an English record.
He led City to a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles in 2023, while the club also won the League Cup four consecutive years under his leadership between 2018 and 2021.
Guardiola, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career as a player and coach at Barcelona before taking charge of German giants Bayern Munich, said in an initial club statement: “Manchester City means a lot to me. This is my ninth season here; We have experienced many wonderful times together.
“I have really special feelings for this football club. That's why I'm very happy to stay here for the next two seasons.”
He added: “Thank you to everyone for believing in me and supporting me – the owner, the chairman Khaldoon (Al Mubarak), Ferrán (Soriano), Txiki (Begirestan), the players and of course the fans… From Manchester City Everyone involved. It has always been an honor, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.
“I've said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever want, and I appreciate it very much. Hopefully we can now add more trophies to the ones we have won. That will be my focus.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep's journey with Manchester City will continue; His dedication, passion and innovative thinking have allowed him to continue to shape the sporting landscape.
AFP
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