Pep Guardiola Commits to Manchester City Until 2026, Citing Unfinished Business
Pep Guardiola has officially extended his stay at Manchester City, signing a new two-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2026. By the end of this deal, Guardiola will have spent over a decade as City’s manager, solidifying his legacy as the longest-serving Premier League coach.
The Catalan tactician has overseen an extraordinary era of dominance, winning 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League. Despite this unparalleled success, Guardiola insists his work at City is far from over.
“I felt I could not leave now, simple as that,” Guardiola said after signing the new contract. “Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why, and I felt I cannot leave. I felt the club still wanted me, and that’s why we signed.”
Success and Stability at the Core
Guardiola’s tenure at City has been nothing short of remarkable, with 354 victories in 490 matches. Yet, the 53-year-old emphasized that his continued stay isn’t just about past success but also about his passion for the job.
“Firstly, it’s because we’ve won a lot; otherwise, you don’t stay 11 years in a place,” he explained. “This is a business, and you have to win. If you don’t win, you might not continue. But I don’t feel like my work here is done. I enjoy being here. I like my job. I like being the manager of this club.”
Guardiola also reaffirmed his commitment to City’s future, stating he would leave only if he felt it was in the best interests of the club. “The moment I don’t have that feeling, even under contract, I will call my chairman and CEO and say it’s best for the club if I leave. But I don’t have that feeling right now, and that’s why I extended,” he added.
Reflecting on a Decade of Success
Guardiola credited City’s stable hierarchy and the club’s culture for fostering success during his tenure. “The club is so stable in many departments, and everyone knows the quality of the players we’ve had over the years,” he said.
He also acknowledged the impact of his first season at City. “I don’t forget my first season here and the players I had then. They helped me understand the club, the team, the Premier League, and so many things. Everyone has been involved in this journey,” Guardiola noted.
While City’s recent four-match losing streak has presented challenges, Guardiola remains optimistic. “There’s no one specific reason for our success; there are many reasons. I didn’t feel like the story is over yet,” he concluded.
As Guardiola looks to guide City to more glory, fans can expect the same intensity, innovation, and ambition that have defined his reign since 2016.
