Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City, promising to stay even in the worst-case scenario of relegation due to ongoing financial rule investigations. The 53-year-old manager, who recently extended his contract until 2027, addressed speculation about the club’s future during a press conference ahead of their clash with Tottenham.
City face 115 charges from the Premier League over alleged financial misconduct. While the club denies any wrongdoing, potential penalties range from fines to points deductions or relegation. Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola expressed confidence in the club’s resilience and reiterated his earlier stance on managing City in lower divisions.
“I said six months ago I would stay even if we are relegated,” Guardiola stated. “If we go to the Conference, we’ll climb back to the Premier League. I believed it then, and I believe it now.”
City’s struggles: injuries and a rare losing streak
Manchester City finds itself in an unusual position, enduring a four-match losing streak under Guardiola for the first time since his arrival in 2016. Despite these setbacks, the manager remains optimistic, pointing to the team’s achievement of winning four consecutive league titles.
Describing the situation as “two sides of the same coin,” Guardiola acknowledged the team’s injury challenges. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has joined a growing list of absentees, but defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake might return for the Tottenham match. Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is recovering from knee surgery and will make a brief appearance at the Etihad for morale support.
Two-hour contract extension and Guardiola’s future
Guardiola also addressed his recent two-year contract extension, dismissing speculation about his long-term plans. While initial reports suggested a one-year deal with an optional extension, Guardiola explained that securing a two-year commitment avoids future distractions.
“I didn’t want next season to be filled with questions about my future,” he said. “In just two hours, we agreed. It’s about clarity and continuity.”
Although confident in his position, Guardiola acknowledged that his tenure depends on results. “The contract is there, but if things don’t go well, I know what happens. Everyone is under pressure, myself included.”
For now, Guardiola’s determination to lead Manchester City through challenges both on and off the pitch underscores his belief in the club’s potential to thrive, no matter the circumstances.
