Will stay, will not stay? Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have put the rumors to rest. The Citizens coach has extended his contract by two years, bringing his commitment until 2027, the reigning four-time English champion club announced on Thursday.
This announcement puts an end to speculation surrounding the 53-year-old Spaniard, appointed in 2016 and whose previous contract expired at the end of the current season. The former FC Barcelona midfielder, who has become one of the most influential coaches of the 21st century, had refused in recent weeks to comment on his personal future. And the recent departure of football director Txiki Begiristain, a close friend of Guardiola, had done nothing to dispel doubts. Swept away Thursday evening in a club press release.
“Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many extraordinary moments together. I have a very special feeling for this football club,” commented the coach, quoted in a club press release.
A club to recover in the championship
With “Pep”, Manchester City have won six of the last seven league titles. The club from the northwest of England also got their hands on the Champions League in 2023, two years after losing a first final against Chelsea. In total, the former coach of Barça (2008-2012) and Bayern Munich (2013-2016) has won fifteen major trophies with the “Citizens”, a haul which also includes two FA Cup titles, four in the FA Cup. of the League, a European Super Cup and a Club World Cup.
The club’s president, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said he was “delighted” to be able to continue to count, in the future, on “his dedication, his passion and his innovative thinking”, in addition to “his thirst for improvement and of success.” Manchester City is engaged in an unprecedented legal battle with the Premier League, which accuses it of financial embezzlement after the arrival of Emirati owners in 2008. Possible sanctions, which could range from the withdrawal of points to exclusion from the championship, are expected. early 2025.
The reigning four-time English champions occupy second place in the Premier League after eleven days, five points behind current leader Liverpool, and remain on four consecutive defeats in all competitions. A first under the Guardiola era. Strange timing for an extension.
