Reports are surfacing that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could leave his role at the end of the season due to personal reasons. With the Spaniard’s current deal running only until June, speculation mounts as he remains tight-lipped about a possible contract renewal.
The highly decorated manager has spearheaded City’s acquisition of six Premier League crowns, alongside Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories.
The FA previously approached Guardiola amidst their hunt for Gareth Southgate’s successor, yet after being met with silence, they appointed Thomas Tuchel instead.
Asked about any England job discussions, Guardiola deflected: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager, so forget about it,” adding, “I’m the manager of Manchester City, so the conversations I have are about Manchester City. This is what it is.”
Amidst these swirling rumours, the potential exit of Guardiola’s trusted colleague Txiki Begiristain from City stokes further speculation regarding the future of the Catalan’s tenure at the club.
Journalist Guillem Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live that Guardiola’s recent back surgery and his infrequent family visits are influential factors behind the coach wanting a new chapter. He noted that Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra and his daughter do not consistently live in Manchester.
Guardiola, now in his ninth season at the helm of City, has outlasted his previous tenures at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. With his adversary Jurgen Klopp having departed Liverpool last summer, speculation is rife that Guardiola might also choose to exit come June.
The Spaniard remained coy on his future plans, stating: “I’m pretty sure the club had options when Txiki leaves and they have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it is going to happen and they are prepared so it’s not going to be a surprise. They know I have to every sport director or whatever, that’s why I’m here for many years I want to be convinced it’s what’s best for the club.
“I will not delay any action knowing that I’m creating a problem for the club. If I feel I’m a problem for the club right now I will take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling, they understand the reasons I have. That’s why Wolves is the priority.”
When probed about factors that would affect his decision-making, Guardiola responded with a hint of irony: “The weather. I’m waiting for it to change, and after I will take a decision.”
Ex-City stalwart Nedum Onuoha has voiced his opinion that Guardiola’s tenure may be nearing its end, expressing: “I don’t expect him to stay, I’d love for him to stay though.
“He’s been remarkable but he can’t do the job forever. He’ll want to leave the club in a good place for the long term where he’ll be helping pick the successor. He’ll know who he thinks is best to work in the environment that is needed at City to be successful going forward.”
