According to insiders, Manchester City are looking to initiate negotiations with manager Pep Guardiola this summer about extending his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the sources revealed that, while negotiations have begun, they do not anticipate Pep Guardiola to make a decision until the end of the year.
Guardiola’s present contract runs until 2025, and Manchester City sources believe they have ‘zero’ concerns about him departing before then, despite the practically inevitable ties with Barcelona, who will split ways with current head coach Xavi this summer.
The Spaniard began his managerial career with Barcelona’s B squad before being promoted to the top team, where he won two Champions League titles in four amazing seasons.
City prefers not to put pressure on Guardiola.
Guardiola has transformed the team and the city since joining in 2016, following a time at Bayern Munich. Last season, the Citizens won their first Champions League title.
In addition, he has five Premier League crowns since joining the club, with only Chelsea in 2016/2017 and Liverpool in 2019/2020 managing to dethrone the Spaniard.
Because of his success with the club, insiders have revealed that City will give Guardiola the time he needs to make the right decision for him and his career.
Guardiola, 53, is ready to begin his eighth season at City, and many are surprised that he has remained there after only four and three years in command of former giants Barcelona and Bayern.
Guardiola discusses his future.
In a rare moment of candor, the Spaniard acknowledged back in November that he may perhaps continue at the club for many more seasons.
“I’ve got energy. “I am not going to respond,” he told The Guardian. “A year and a half is a long time in football. I came here with long hair, and look what happened.
When asked if he could stay beyond his current contract, Guardiola replied, “Yes, of course; I can leave tomorrow as well.” I would have liked the club that won 100 points [in the 2017-18 season] to stay forever. This happens in all of the clubs.
One factor could be potential interest from previous club Barcelona, but Deco, speaking with EsporteE, denied any talks with the 53-year-old.
“We are not speaking with any managers, frankly. “There are no talks,” Deco stated. “Pep Guardiola is under contract with another club, I’d never speak about him – it’d be disrespectful for Man City.”
