Star coach Pep Guardiola will apparently extend his contract with English champions Manchester City. As “The Athletic” reports, the Catalan has agreed with the club to continue working together for one year plus an option for another season. An official confirmation from the club is still pending. Guardiola’s contract would have expired at the end of the season, and recently there had been repeated speculation about a farewell.
The successful coach has been with City in the Premier League since 2016. Under his leadership, Manchester won the championship six times, the FA Cup twice and triumphed in the Champions League in 2023. Guardiola previously coached FC Bayern Munich (2013 to 2016) and FC Barcelona (2008 to 2012).
After manager Txiki Begiristain announced his departure at the end of the season in October, there was also speculation about Guardiola’s end. The 53-year-old was linked to the Brazilian national team.
City has lost four competitive games in a row
Guardiola and City are currently in second place in the Premier League, five points behind rivals Liverpool. The club recently lost four competitive games in a row. The last time the club experienced such a negative series was 18 years ago. It was a first for Guardiola – the star coach had never left the pitch as a loser four times in a row in his career. After the 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, he fueled rumors of his departure from Manchester.
“Sport is not always sunshine. It’s not always good moments,” said Guardiola: “Today I was asked in the press conference whether this was the end of an era. I know people want that. I’ve been smelling it for many, many years.”
