Guardiola to Discuss Future with Club Leadership
Pep Guardiola has declined to confirm reports suggesting his decade-long tenure at Manchester City is nearing its end. The manager emphasized the need to consult with the club's hierarchy before making any announcement.
“The first person I have to talk to is my chairman,”
Guardiola addressed the speculation surrounding his contract, stating,
“I could say I have one year of contract – the conversation we have had for many years.”
He noted that a contract clause limits the club's ability to prevent his departure, reiterating a stance he has maintained throughout the season.
“Always from my experience, when you [media] announce whatever you announce during a competition, it is a bad, bad result.”
Guardiola confirmed that Khaldoon al-Mubarak, chair of City Football Group, would be the first to hear of his decision, alongside consultation with Ferran Soriano, the club’s chief executive.
“The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decide – we will talk, it is simple as that and after that we will take the decision.
Listen, I have one more year. I will not tell you here as I have to talk to my chairman, with my players and with my staff. I am the happiest man on the planet to be in this club. This club is extraordinary.”
He acknowledged that a conversation with Mubarak was imminent, reflecting on the challenges faced during the current campaign.
“I always said that when you are fighting for the titles or Premier Leagues or FA Cups, in the first moment there is a problem the players don’t follow you any more.
Now is a moment with Ferran and my chairman to talk and after that we will see what happens … taking nothing for granted. Next season we will be back, City will be back.”
Guardiola Congratulates Arsenal and Reflects on Season
Instead of focusing on his own team's outcome, Guardiola extended congratulations to Arsenal, led by his former assistant Mikel Arteta, on securing the Premier League title.
“We were close. On behalf of everyone at , we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it.”
He attributed part of Manchester City's shortfall to the demanding schedule faced throughout the season.
“I would have loved to arrive at the last moment but today the fatigue was there.”
Despite Erling Haaland's late equalizer, it was insufficient to prevent Arsenal from claiming their first league title in 22 years.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose in the last moment because the opponents are really good, really tough,”
Guardiola remarked.
Bernardo Silva Comments on Manager's Future
Bernardo Silva, whose departure from Manchester City has been confirmed for the summer, commented on Guardiola's situation.
“Well, I honestly don’t know about it. That’s his decision, that’s his announcement to make if he stays or if he goes. That’s not on me.”
