‘I didn’t say I was leaving,’ says Pep Guardiola on uncertain Manchester City future

New Delhi: Spanish manager Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has been a focal point of discussion among the cityzens for the past few months. His contract finishes after the 2024-25 season, and fans have been wondering what’s next for the manager and the club. His influence over the club has been enormous, with City clinching six Premier League titles and first ever UEFA Champions League trophy under his leadership.

Apart from that, he has transformed the club into one of the fiercest sides all over the globe, with teams like Real Madrid and Paris St. Germain openly acknowledging Manchester City’s dominant side. Over his eight seasons at the helm, Guardiola has led City to six league titles and won a total 17 trophies. This impressive record underscores his significance to the club

Football fans are watching Pep Guardiola and Manchester City closely. Rival fans hope his leaving will change the Premier League title race, while City fans worry about what will happen when their best manager ever leaves.

After City won their fourth straight Premier League title, Guardiola made people wonder about his future. He said he was “closer to leaving than staying”. This made fans and experts think about what might happen next. Guardiola has been with City for eight seasons, winning the league six times and a total of 17 trophies. His leaving would mark the end of an amazing time for the club.

Pep Guardiola considering staying at Manchester City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Pep Guardiola speaks to Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Before City’s pre-season match against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium, Guardiola spoke to reporters in New York. He cleared up his earlier comments, saying, “I didn’t say I was leaving,” which calmed some City fans. He admitted that nine years at the same club is a long time but didn’t rule out staying longer. “I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players,” he said. “When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see.”

Guardiola’s future isn’t just about his choice but also about what it means for the club. Under his leadership, City has been very successful, thanks to his smart tactics and great management. If he leaves, it raises questions about whether City can keep being so good.

Guardiola is also looking forward to the 32-team Club World Cup in the United States next summer. He hopes to still be in charge for this big event, but he’s unsure about the tournament itself because of a dispute between FIFA and the major players’ unions. This tournament could be a big highlight in Guardiola’s career at City if he decides to stay.

🚨🔵 Pep Guardiola: “I am NOT ruling out absolutely that I sign a new contract at City”.

“I said I am closer to leaving than leaving City… but I did not say I am leaving City!”.

“I want to be sure it’s the right decision not just for me but for the players”, says via @SamLee. pic.twitter.com/IX9wv5oDtg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2024

City fans are now waiting anxiously to see how the new season will go. Guardiola’s decision will likely depend on how the team performs and the overall mood at the club. The relationships between the manager, the players, and the club’s leaders will be key in his decision.

As the new season gets closer, everyone in the football world is eager to see what will happen. Will Guardiola stay and lead City to more victories, or will he decide it’s time for a new challenge, or will he retire? His choice will greatly affect not just Manchester City but also the whole sport.

Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City is still up in the air. Whether he stays or goes will have a big impact. If he leaves, it will end a great period for the club, but if he stays, City will likely continue their success. For now, fans and rivals can only wait to see what Guardiola decides as the season begins.