“There are no discussions,” says manager, whose contract runs until 2027
Pep Guardiola has said there are no discussions about him leaving Manchester City club despite speculation over his future.
Reports on Thursday claimed City were drawing up contingency plans amid a belief that this season could be Guardiola’s last in charge. The 54-year-old, whose contract runs until the summer of 2027, moved to shut that down during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with West Ham United.
“There are no discussions – end of the subject,” Guardiola said. “I will not be eternal here, none of us will be forever in this world, but there are no discussions. What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything. But that subject is not on the table right now.”
Guardiola has grown accustomed to questions about his stay at the Etihad Stadium, having been in charge since 2016. He suggested the topic resurfaces every season regardless of his contract situation.
“The last three or four years every time someone asks me that question,” said Guardiola. “Sooner or later, when I’m 75 or 76, I will quit Manchester City. I understand the question, but I have 18 months left and I am so delighted.”
City extended Guardiola’s contract by two years in November 2024. His previous deal had been due to expire in the summer. Since arriving from Bayern Munich, the Spaniard has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, delivering six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups and four League Cups. He said he was absolutely focused on City’s current season.
“What’s going to happen, who knows?” said Guardiola. “But if I have 10 years on my contract or six months, football changes a lot. Now I’m focused on West Ham and go for a few days with my dad and that’s all, come back for Nottingham, Sunderland, Brighton and Chelsea.”
City go into the weekend two points behind league leaders Arsenal and could briefly move top with a win over West Ham before Arsenal play later on Saturday. They are also on course to reach the Champions League knockout stages and face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in January. City had gone trophyless last season, the first time since Guardiola’s debut season.
The manager admitted the club must always plan for the future but stressed that his future was not a topic being considered.
“The club has to be prepared for everything – for the players and the CEOs,” Guardiola said. “The rest, the club has to be prepared, but that subject is not on the table right now.”
