I’m Closer To Leaving Than Staying – Pep Guardiola Hints At Manchester City Departure
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that he is “closer to leaving than staying” at Manchester City after guiding the club to a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The 53-year-old, considered one of the greatest managers of all time, has spent the last eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning a total of 17 trophies during his tenure.
Guardiola has transformed Man City into the dominant force in English football, with this season’s Premier League title being his sixth in the last seven years.
Goals from Phil Foden (2) and Rodri secured a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign, ensuring City finished two points ahead of their closest rivals, Arsenal.
Guardiola is about to enter the final year of his contract with Man City. While he has confirmed he will remain in charge next season, he has admitted that he has not yet decided on his long-term future at the club.
Guardiola “happy” but uncertain about Man City future
“The reality is I’m closer to leaving than to staying,” Guardiola told Sky Sports in a post-match interview after lifting the Premier League trophy.
“It’s eight years, soon to be nine. Right now, I feel I want to stay next season. We’ve talked with the club, and we’ll have time to discuss it further next season because I need to see if the players still follow me, still follow us.
“I want to stay next season. During the season, we’ll talk. But after eight, nine years…”
Later in his post-match press conference, Guardiola hinted that he is running out of new challenges at Man City, having already won every major trophy in English football.
“I had that feeling last season [after we won the treble],” said the Catalan coach. “We were in Istanbul (after winning the Champions League) and I thought, ‘It’s over. What am I doing here? There’s nothing left.’ But I have a contract. I am here, and I still enjoy some moments—sometimes I’m tired, but some moments I love.”
Guardiola aiming for another English football record
“And after a few days, we started playing well, winning games, with different players, and we began to think about how no one has ever won four in a row. Why not try it?
“Now, I feel like it’s done. What’s next? I don’t know at the moment. Well, I know it’s the FA Cup. Gary Lineker told me that no team in history has won back-to-back Premier Leagues and FA Cups. So, it’s [against] our rivals, and I want my players to enjoy it for two or three days before we prepare for the final.
“As for next season, right now, I can’t say what the motivation will be. It can be difficult to find motivation when you’ve already achieved so much.
“But I know that the players and I will get there and think, why shouldn’t we win today? Why not? Why shouldn’t we work as hard as possible to achieve our goals? And I know we will. I know.”
Guardiola will lead his Man City side in their final game of the 2023-24 season against rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium next Saturday.
Leave a Reply