PEP GUARDIOLA: 'I DIDN'T SAY I'M LEAVING' - MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER REFUSES TO RULE OUT EXTENDING STAY WITH THE CLUB

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has left the door open to extending his tenure with the club, despite earlier indications that he might be leaving. Speaking during the club's pre-season US tour, Guardiola clarified, "When I'm leaving, I will say I'm leaving," and emphasized the importance of "refreshing" the team. Since joining City in 2016, the Spaniard has been immensely successful, winning 17 trophies.

Guardiola Hints at Contract Extension

Pep Guardiola, whose contract with Manchester City expires next summer, hinted at the possibility of staying on, despite his earlier suggestion in May that he was "closer to leaving than staying." Under his management, City has flourished, securing their fourth successive Premier League title in 2024 and achieving a historic Treble the year before.

During the pre-season tour in the US, Guardiola stated, "When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that." He added, "I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving! 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."

Reflecting on his long stint with City, Guardiola noted, "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. It's good to refresh, for players and managers."

Focus on the Current Season

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss emphasized that his focus remains on the upcoming season, leaving any decision on his future for later. "When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see."

Guardiola also expressed his desire for first-choice goalkeeper Ederson to remain at the club. Despite rumors of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, Guardiola was firm in his support for the Brazilian. "I wish with the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us. I cannot imagine our processes succeeding these last seasons without him. He is an important figure in the locker room."

Upcoming Fixtures and Player Preparations

City's pre-season friendlies began with a narrow 4-3 loss to Celtic in North Carolina. The team is set to face AC Milan at Yankee Stadium, followed by matches against Barcelona and Chelsea, before heading to Wembley for the Community Shield against Manchester United on August 10.

Star striker Erling Haaland, who captained City in their first US friendly, highlighted the challenges of an intense playing schedule, stating, "It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year." Guardiola has allowed players who participated in the later stages of this summer’s Euros and Copa America to decide when they return to training to avoid burnout.

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