Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s recent struggles contributed to his decision to sign a new two-year contract that will extend his tenure as manager for more than a decade.
The 53-year-old’s previous City deal expires at the end of the season.
Guardiola, who has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad, admitted that while he had considered leaving at the end of the season, losing his last four games at City was a factor. his decision to extend his stay at the club.
“Since the beginning of the season, I thought a lot, there were some moments, I have to be honest, I thought it was the end because everyone…” he said on the club’s website.
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Take a look back at Guardiola’s funniest moments in the Premier League
“But at the same time, when the situation came and the problems we had in the last month, I felt that now is not the time to leave, I would have let the club down and I felt I had to do it.
“Don’t ask why. Maybe the four defeats are the reason and I don’t think I can leave. I think the club still wants me or has the fact that we are together and that’s why we signed.
“Manchester City means a lot to me. This is my ninth season here; we’ve had many wonderful times together. I have a special feeling for this football club.
“That’s why I’m very happy to stay two more seasons.
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Kaveh Solhekol feels Pep Guardiola has everything he needs at Manchester City, after signing a two-year contract extension.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in me and support me – the Owner, Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It is always an honor, a pleasure and a privilege to be here .
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could wish for, and I appreciate it very much. Hopefully now we can add another trophy to the ones we have won. That will be my focus.”
Speculation over Guardiola’s future, which has been ongoing for months, has intensified after the club confirmed director of football Txiki Begiristain will leave at the end of the season.
Begiristain, a long-time Guardiola ally, will be replaced by Sporting’s Hugo Viana, a former Newcastle player.
Ending the uncertainty over Guardiola’s position prevents further disruption next summer when the club will also compete in the Club World Cup.
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Sam Lee Athletic explains why Manchester City fans can start to get excited as news of Guardiola’s contract extension is set to be announced.
The news comes at a critical point in City’s season. Plagued by injuries, the champions’ form has faltered of late, with the team losing their last four matches in all competitions, the worst of Guardiola’s career.
It has also been a difficult campaign off the pitch with the club facing 115 charges for allegedly breaching Premier League rules following an investigation into their financial dealings.
Guardiola succeeded Manuel Pellegrini at City eight years ago after previous successful spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak spoke of his delight at the manager’s decision to stay in Manchester for another two years.
“Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City will continue; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game,” he told the club’s website.
“The hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the immediate beneficiaries will be our players and coaching staff, our Club culture, and the English game in general.
“This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to rewrite the managerial record books.”
‘Pep feels now is not the right time to leave Man City’
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Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom finds out why Guardiola extended his contract with Manchester City after showing his farewell last season
Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom:
“I think the timing of the news was a surprise. We got the sense because the season is over that Pep would prefer to stay.
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The Back Pages Tonight team discuss the news Guardiola could potentially sign a contract extension
“It’s the ninth season, so he’s not going to do another nine, of course not. But for him to be able to say that, to be in that reflective mood, to be able to see this team and how it’s developed and where it is now. It’s a lot to think about.
“His family is still in Catalonia and Barcelona. It will be a big draw, bringing him back to Spain.
“And Pep has a loyalty to Manchester City, which we’ve seen. He obviously likes the job. He likes the challenge of trying to win the Premier League.
“And I just think he wants to stay. Especially his good friendship with Txiki Begiristain. We know he will leave at the end of the season.
“We know that Hugo Viana will be the sports director / director of football like this. This is a new relationship. This is a new era. This is a new challenge. And I think Pep must feel that if he leaves now, he is not doing the right thing by the club He needs her.
“He needs someone he can trust. And if you look at his record, he can trust Pep.”
