Pep Guardiola Opens Up on Future Amid Toughest Spell as Manchester City Manager
Pep Guardiola, grappling with the toughest run of his managerial career, remains unwavering in his commitment to Manchester City. Despite managing just one win in the last ten games, Guardiola has no intention of walking away from the club, nor is he chasing specific trophies like the Premier League or Champions League to justify his stay.
Guardiola Committed to the Rebuild
Last month, Guardiola surprised many by signing a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Etihad until 2027. Sources close to the manager suggest he extended his stay to oversee a squad rebuild, though Guardiola maintains that the current group could still compete at the top of the table if injuries weren’t a factor.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, he was resolute about staying through the challenging period:
“Absolutely not. I would regret leaving now. I couldn’t sleep even worse than now if I was leaving the situation,” Guardiola said.
“They might sack me, but leaving now? No chance. If my boss is not happy with me, they can sack me, but there is no chance of me leaving now.”
Legacy Secured, but No Fixed Exit Plan
Guardiola believes he has already accomplished everything he could hope for at Manchester City, from revolutionizing their playing style to winning numerous trophies over the past eight seasons. Yet, he sees no immediate reason to leave and no specific targets to chase.
“When I feel it is time to leave, I will leave. What we have done, we have done,” he explained. “It’s not that I’ll not leave until I win another Premier League or Champions League. No. It’s done. It’s accomplished.”
Reflecting on the situation, Guardiola emphasized that his decision to stay is rooted in responsibility. “In this situation, I could not leave,” he said. “You have to go to the market at the right moments, maybe in winter, to make the squad deeper so they can compete with each other. Players need to compete like enemies during the week and be friends at the weekend.”
Acknowledging the Pressure
Guardiola admitted that City’s current form is unacceptable for a club of their stature, but he credited the support from the organization for giving him the confidence to continue.
“I don’t know if a big, big club losing seven of the last nine games has the confidence that I have from all departments,” he remarked. “But it happens because of what we’ve done recently, and the club knows the situation is exceptional.”
Despite the pressure, Guardiola remains focused on improving: “I’m not stupid to know it’s a lot of games to lose. You have to do better and win. Every day we try, but it’s not enough.”
As Guardiola navigates his most challenging chapter at Manchester City, his determination to turn things around underlines the deep bond he has with the club. Whether overseeing a rebuild or guiding the team through turbulent times, Guardiola’s legacy at City remains intact.
