Pep Guardiola has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, extending his tenure at the club to a decade. Although City has yet to confirm the details, reports from multiple sources, including The Athletic, indicate that the 53-year-old has chosen to stay with the club beyond the end of his current contract, which was set to expire at the close of this season.
Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 and has since won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. His new contract reportedly includes an option for a second year, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Under Guardiola’s leadership, City have reached historic heights, becoming only the second English men’s team to win the Treble, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season. They are also the first team in history to win four consecutive top-flight English titles and to reach 100 Premier League points.
Despite City’s recent struggles—currently sitting second in the Premier League and five points behind leaders Liverpool, having suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions—Guardiola remains committed to the club. This losing streak is the first of its kind in his managerial career, excluding shootouts.
After their recent 2-1 loss to Brighton, Guardiola reflected on the team’s fortunes, saying, “Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserves it.” This statement suggests Guardiola’s humility, acknowledging that other teams may eventually surpass City’s dominance.
Guardiola has previously signed contract extensions with City in May 2018, November 2020, and November 2022. In May, following City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, he had hinted that he was “closer to leaving than staying,” further adding fuel to the speculation surrounding his future. He also mentioned in October, when director of football Txiki Begiristain announced his departure, that “part of me is leaving.”
Guardiola has always emphasized that any decision to extend his contract must be in the club’s best interest, stressing the importance of being fully convinced before making such a commitment. The uncertainty surrounding his future has been linked to City’s recent dip in form, and some suggest that this may have had an impact on the team’s performances.
Further complicating the situation is the ongoing Premier League investigation into 115 charges against the club, which City denies. If found guilty, the club could face significant sanctions. Guardiola has consistently supported the club, urging critics to await the final decision before making judgments.
Now the longest-serving manager in the Premier League following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, Guardiola’s extension ensures that his influence at City will continue for at least another year.
SOURCE: BBC
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