Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is “closer to staying than leaving” the club, according to journalist Guillem Balague.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (quotes via City Xtra), Balague explained that Guardiola rejected the England job as he is not planning to become a national team manager until after the 2026 World Cup:
“What seems clear is in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one [2030], he will have a national side; England are favourites. If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan.”
In terms of his future at City, Balague says nobody knows for sure “right now” but all the signs point towards him “staying” at the Etihad a little while longer. Fans on X are happy that their manager is likely to remain in charge beyond the end of the season:
Great to see
— Ahsan khan (@Khan_a22409) October 23, 2024
Good to know
— A.I.G🤓 (@Aig_space) October 23, 2024
He’s not Leaving City
— Sivu_3409 (@Siphe_Sihle1) October 23, 2024
He’s staying like ornstein himself said
— Emir🇸🇪115 tears🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@FodenCTID) October 23, 2024
Pep at city till 2030
— city boy💙🤍 (@denyefah007) October 23, 2024
Stay Pep
— Joshua Ayomide 📸 (@Ikusjos) October 23, 2024
Guardiola has earned the right to choose when he leaves
The 53-year-old has been in charge of City for almost 500 games and to have a win ratio of 72.5% during that time is quite simply incredible.
Over the last eight years, Guardiola has transformed the club into a winning machine, lifting 18 trophies in total, including six league titles and one Champions League. His achievements are unmatched in the club’s history.
City are putting contingency plans in place
Until Guardiola puts pen to paper on a new deal, there is still a chance that he may depart and the club are not taking any chances.
Reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim will be leading candidates if a replacement is required.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
