Pep Guardiola Hints at Possible Final Season with Manchester City Amidst Record-Breaking Title Win
Pep Guardiola has hinted that the next season could be his last as manager of Manchester City, despite having a contract until 2025. Guardiola’s comments come after leading his team to a record fourth consecutive English title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola, who has been at Manchester City for eight years, suggested that he is nearing the end of his tenure. “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying,” he said, indicating a potential departure after the next season. He has committed to staying for now and plans to discuss his future with the club during the season.
“We have talked with the club and my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But after eight or nine years, we will see.”
The 53-year-old manager admitted to feeling tired and highlighted the need for fresh motivation over the summer before the new season begins. “Some of the moments I’m a bit tired, but some of the moments I love and we are here winning games, looking good with new players,” he mentioned, underscoring the mixed emotions he experiences.
“I have a contract, I’m still here.
“I start to think about, ‘No one has done four in a row, why don’t we try?’ And now I feel it’s done, so what next?
Despite the weariness, Guardiola remains focused on future challenges. He acknowledged the difficulty in finding new motivation after achieving so much with the club. “Right now I don’t know what exactly the motivation is to do it because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done,” he remarked, reflecting on the need to identify new goals.
Looking ahead, Guardiola expects Arsenal to be strong contenders for the title next season. He congratulated Mikel Arteta and his team for their impressive performance, which pushed Manchester City to their best. “We got the message from Mikel and his players. We have to make the right decisions in the next years because they are here to stay,” he said, acknowledging the ongoing competition.
“Before, it was Liverpool to push our limits, and now it was Arsenal.
“I want to congratulate them from the depths of my heart, for Mikel, his staff and players. They have had an incredible season. I feel it and they push us to our best like before.
Guardiola has won 15 major trophies during his time at Manchester City, with the potential to add a 16th in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester United. As he contemplates his future, Guardiola’s legacy at Manchester City remains firmly established, marked by unprecedented success and continuous pursuit of excellence.
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