‘I’m closer to leaving’:Pep Guardiola hints at future with Manchester City despite exit speculation

Pep Guardiola has stirred the football world with comments about his future at Manchester City, revealing he is “closer to leaving than staying” but committed to another season. Celebrating a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola hinted at potentially extending his stay, which would bring his tenure to a decade.

According to Standard, Guardiola addressed the speculation surrounding his future. “The reality is I’m closer to leaving than to staying,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s eight years, will be nine. Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season.

We talked with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well, if they follow me, they follow us, for many reasons. I will stay and during the season we will talk when calm.”

Guardiola, whose current contract expires at the end of next season, reflected on his accomplishments and the challenges ahead.

He recounted his thoughts after last season’s Champions League win in Istanbul, admitting he felt there was nothing left to achieve. “But I have a contract, I’m here and still enjoying. Some of the moments I’m a bit tired but some of the moments I love, and after I said ‘OK, we are here’.”

Despite feeling a sense of completion, Guardiola is motivated by new milestones, such as winning four consecutive Premier League titles and potentially achieving back-to-back Premier League and FA Cup wins. “No-one has done four in a row, why don’t we try?” he said. “Now I feel ‘It’s done, so what next?’ I don’t know right now.

I know next is the FA Cup. Gary Lineker said to me, I didn’t know, that no team has done back-to-back Premier Leagues and FA Cups.”

Guardiola’s comments suggest a blend of satisfaction and an appetite for further success, leaving fans and the club with hope for continued triumphs under his guidance.