Manager Pep Guardiola insists he has not ruled out signing a new contract with Manchester City, even though his current deal is due to expire next summer.
The City manager appeared to suggest next season could be his final at the club, saying in May he was “closer to leaving than staying”, but speaking to reporters during the team’s current pre-season tour of the United States, Guardiola hinted he could extend his stay.
“When I leave I say I’m leaving but I haven’t said that,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of a friendly against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium in New York. “We’ll see what happens, but I’m not completely ruling out an extension because I want to stay, because I want to stay.”
Guardiola also sought to explain his comments after leading the club to a fourth consecutive Premier League title.[I was] I [had] I’ve been at Manchester City for eight years, so I won’t be here for another eight, so it’s more like I’m leaving than staying. But I’m not saying I’m leaving!”
“Today, nine years at the same club feels like an eternity,” added the manager, who has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the club’s first Champions League title since joining City in 2016. “I want to be absolutely certain that this is the right decision – not just for me, but for the club and the players.”
If Guardiola stays on beyond the 2024-25 season, he will have spent more than a decade at the Etihad Stadium but he believes his players are working harder for him than ever. “They’re running the same way they have for eight years. It doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the tournament,” the manager said.
“It’s good for both the players and the manager to refresh themselves,” added the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager. “At the same time, we are having success, we continue to win the Premier League and we are in competitions like the Champions League, and that’s how I feel at the moment.”
“I’d love to go,” Guardiola said when asked if he would like to return to the United States next summer for the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, for which City have qualified.
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The 53-year-old Guardiola also addressed the speculation surrounding goalkeeper Ederson, who has recently been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. After sounding uncertain about Ederson’s future earlier this week, he was more forthright on Friday.
“I would love with all my heart for Eddie to stay with us,” Guardiola said. “I would be happy if he stays. I can’t imagine the success we have had over the last few seasons without him. He is a key figure in the dressing room.”
Manchester City began their US tour with a 4-3 loss to Celtic in North Carolina on Wednesday. The team will also face Barcelona and Chelsea in the States before returning home to face Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 10.
