There have been heavy rumours the Spaniard will leave at the end of the season and the club are reportedly preparing for his departure
Pep Guardiola says he is fully motivated in Manchester City’s “incredible environment” despite approaching a decade in charge.
With one year left on his contract the City manager is targeting a seventh Premier League title and is focused on Monday’s trip to Everton, where his side aim to cut the six-point gap to leaders Arsenal. Arsenal have extended their advantage after recent wins over Newcastle and Fulham.
“I wouldn’t be 10 years, even with good titles, if I didn’t have an incredible environment,” Guardiola said. “Now I feel more, I don’t know, happy. Not happy, but I don’t know, still have incredible energy, still I’m so good, coming here to work on my day off.”
There have been heavy rumours that the Spaniard will leave at the end of the season, and reports are that the club are preparing for his departure. City have reportedly identified Enzo Maresca as a leading candidate to succeed him if a change becomes necessary.
City are still competing on two fronts, having also reached the FA Cup final, where they will face Chelsea. Guardiola admitted the pressure has been easier to manage compared to last season’s fight for Champions League qualification.
“The hours before the game, I feel it but the process between games I am more calm,” said Guardiola. “This season we won the Carabao Cup, [reached the] FA Cup final again and still fighting against Arsenal, so what can I say? It is really good.”
