- Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension and pledged to remain at Manchester City even if the club faces relegation due to alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches
- City are under investigation for 115 alleged breaches of FFP rules, with a verdict expected next year, but Guardiola insists he is unfazed by the potential consequences
- Despite injury challenges and recent poor form, Guardiola remains focused on delivering results and maintaining the high standards he has set since joining the club in 2016
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola has made a declaration of loyalty to Manchester City, stating that he will remain as manager regardless of the outcome of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) investigation into the club.
Speaking after signing a two-year contract extension, Guardiola insisted that even relegation from the Premier League would not deter him from staying.
The Premier League champions are currently caught up in a legal battle over 115 alleged breaches of the league’s FFP rules. A decision on the matter is expected early next year, but Guardiola appears unfazed, maintaining his focus on guiding the team through a possible turbulent time.
“I said that six months ago, if we get relegated, I will be here and the next year, we’re going to come up to the Premier League,” Guardiola stated confidently ahead of City’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur today, November 23.
Guardiola’s tenure has been nothing short of historic. Under his leadership, Manchester City has claimed six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, four Carabao Cups, and two FA Cups.
However, the outcome of the FFP allegations looks scary, with some speculating about potential severe consequences, including relegation.
Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola extended his stay at the Etihad, with his new deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season. He humorously cited Manchester’s infamous weather as a reason for the extension but clarified his true motivation; avoiding the repetitive speculation about his future that often emerges during the final year of his contracts.
“I don’t want next season in September, October, November, to be ‘Is this the last year of Pep? That was the main reason. I’d like to stay two more years, but I know if results are not good, it won’t be two years. It’s the same with players. If you don’t perform, there are consequences,” he said.
Acknowledging the constant pressure to deliver results, Guardiola expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue but stressed the need for his team to maintain its high standards.
“Maybe it’s a little bit arrogant, but I think we deserve to continue for what we have done in the last years. But at the same time, we have to do it again. If we’re not up there, the club has to find a solution,” he added.
Adding to Guardiola’s current challenges is a growing injury list, compounded by the demands of international football. City has struggled in recent weeks, losing four consecutive matches across all competitions, with injuries playing a major role in their misfortune.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been sidelined for up to a month after sustaining an injury on international duty, adding to a list that includes John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji.
Man City faces uncertain future as Guardiola holds his cards to his chest
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester City’s future hung in the balance as Pep Guardiola talked about the departure of Txiki Begiristain, the club’s long-serving director of football.
While Begiristain’s influence will be missed, Guardiola is also faced with questions about his own future. With his contract expiring at the end of the current 2024/2025 season, the Spanish manager has hinted at being “closer to leaving than staying” after securing City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title in May.
