Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension as manager of Premier League champions Manchester City, revealing on Thursday that he “could not leave now” as the club faces what could be the most challenging period of his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
There had been growing speculation that the 53-year-old’s time at City was coming to an end, particularly with the club grappling with an ongoing legal case over 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, charges they categorically deny.
In addition, City are enduring their worst run under Guardiola — a four-game losing streak in all competitions — although they remain second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season, and reports earlier this week suggested he would stay on despite the impending departure of his close ally, Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, who confirmed he would leave at the end of the campaign.
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However, in an interview with the club’s media channels after confirming his new deal, Guardiola admitted he had initially believed this would be his final season at City, but the current challenges facing the club made him rethink his decision.
“I felt I could not leave now, simple as that,” he said.
“Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why and I felt I cannot leave. I felt the club still want me or had the fact that we were together and that’s the reason why we sign.”
He added: “I enjoy being here. I like my job. I like being the manager of this club.
“I said many times from many, many years ago, the moment I will not have that feeling, even under contract, I will ring my chairman and CEO and say the best for the club right now is I have to leave.
“I don’t have that feeling right now and that’s why I extended a little bit longer.”
Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016 and has since guided the club to 18 major trophies across all competitions, including six Premier League titles—four of which came in consecutive seasons, setting a new English record.
In 2023, he led City to a historic treble, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single campaign. The club also dominated the League Cup under his leadership, winning it four times in a row between 2018 and 2021.
Prior to his success at City, Guardiola had an illustrious career as both a player and coach at Barcelona, before moving to Bayern Munich.
Reflecting on his time at City, he said in an initial club statement: “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here; we’ve shared so many unforgettable moments together.”
“I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”
He added: “Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – the owner, the chairman Khaldoon (Al Mubarak), Ferran (Soriano), Txiki (Begiristain), the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “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.”
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