Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola has hinted at staying longer at the club after spending 8 years and winning multiple titles for the English Premier League side.
During the club’s preseason tour in the United States, the city coach said he has not ruled out signing a new contract with Manchester City.
Guardiola, who has one year left on his deal with the club, explained that his earlier comments about him being close to leaving the club do not mean he will be saying goodbye at the end of the season.
The city coach has been seen as one of the most experienced coaches in the world after leading City to a fourth successive Premier League title in May and winning the table the season before.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has hinted that his time at the club could enter the 10th year “When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that,” Guardiola, who has led City to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a maiden Champions League among a host of honours, told reporters”.
He noted, “We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay”.
Pep, who spoke on the need to consider all parties before making a decision, stated, “Nine years today in the same club is an eternity. So I want to be sure it’s the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players, still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the tournament and this is what I have to see.
“I am sure eight more years I won’t stay! It’s good to refresh, for players and managers,” he added.
Speaking about the club’s successes, the Citizens coach explained that competing for different titles at different levels has given a good feeling in every instance.
“At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now.”
The 53-year-old also spoke about his plans to participate in the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup; the Spaniard noted, “I would love to, I would love to. Yeah, I would love to.”
Addressing speculations over the future of goalkeeper Ederson, the city coach noted that he would like Ederson to continue with the team. Praising the goalie, the city expressed its desire to continue working with him.
“I would love him to stay. I cannot imagine our processes succeeding these last seasons without him. He is an important figure in the locker room.”
Earlier in the week, the coach expressed uncertainty about the future of his first-choice goalkeeper, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia despite having two years left on his present contract in Manchester.
Media reports on Friday suggested that the 30-year-old goalkeeper has ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia after his fallout with Stefen Ortega, his current team’s second-choice goalkeeper.
