Speculation is mounting around Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City, as his contract is set to expire at the end of this season with no news yet of a renewal. Guardiola, now in his ninth season with City, has led the club to an extraordinary six Premier League titles in just eight seasons, along with two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
After clinching an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, Guardiola hinted at a possible exit, stating he was “closer to leaving than staying.” He later clarified, saying, “I know maybe I was not correct to say [it] at the right moment, when we won the Premier League, but…I’m not being here for eight more years.“
Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, currently sidelined with an ACL injury, spoke with Cope in Spain about his time at City and the potential impact of Guardiola’s future decisions. “You want to be surrounded by the best, and there will be a before and after Pep. When I signed, they told me that Guardiola was leaving, but he is very ambitious. When he is gone, things will change, but City will continue to be City,” Rodri reflected.
When Rodri joined City in 2019, rumors already hinted at Guardiola’s possible departure. Yet, five years later, Guardiola remains at the club, underscoring his dedication and ambition.
With speculation that big changes could come next summer, many, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, are closely monitoring the situation.
For Manchester City, this season’s Champions League campaign carries extra weight, especially if it is indeed Guardiola’s final push. City is determined to defend its European crown in a revamped competition, facing tough opponents like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain in a newly structured 36-team phase. For Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, and the squad that has dominated the Premier League, the drive to conquer Europe once more could be the ultimate goal.
