After four straight losses, Pep Guardiola said that he had intended for this season to be his final one at Manchester City, but he refused to “let the club down.”
Guardiola, a six-time Premier League champion, gave City a significant boost Thursday night when he signed a two-year deal that will extend his tenure to more than 10 years.
Guardiola acknowledged Mail Sport’s May report that he was likely to depart next summer, but he also implied that in order to make a statement during City’s difficult run of play, a clear demonstration of commitment was necessary.
Due in part to his connection with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, City had hoped the 53-year-old would be saying goodbye and had made a concerted effort to persuade him to renew again.
“I’ve been thinking a lot since the start of the season,” Guardiola remarked. I believed that this season ought to be the final one.
However, given the issues we’ve had over the past month, I didn’t think it was time to go. I would have disappointed the club.
Pep Guardiola has agreed a two-year contract extension at Manchester City until 2027
Guardiola suggested Man City’s four consecutive defeats helped convince him to stay
In light of their previous performance, he stated that he did not want to “let the club down.”
I felt like I couldn’t leave just yet. That’s how simple it is. Maybe it was the four losses, and I didn’t want to go. Since we were still dating and I believed the club still wanted me, I signed.
City has lost away Premier League games to Brighton and Bournemouth in addition to falling 4-1 against new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting. Tottenham knocked them out of the Carabao Cup. A squad that is five points behind Liverpool in the championship race should be motivated by Guardiola’s assurance about his future as they attempt to capture an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship.
On Saturday, City will play Tottenham to start their crucial run of games before Christmas. The following week, they will play their north-west rivals.
A management changeover during the hectic summer, when City will compete in the Club World Cup in America, is also eliminated by the decision to extend. “It’s “OK, the last two” each time I sign a contract,” Guardiola went on. I re-signed the contract and replied, “Okay, the last two,” In all honesty, I think my crew and I deserve this role at this time. I’m not arrogant, but that’s the truth. We deserved the chance to try to improve after four consecutive defeats. In my opinion, we must decide on the best course of action for the future. I enjoy being here. I like what I do. I’m bound by contract, but as soon as I feel differently, I’ll call my chairman and CEO and explain that I have to go for the sake of the club’s present welfare.
Guardiola aims to galvanise Man City’s squad to win an unprecedented fifth successive title.
Guardiola (pictured with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak) has won six Premier League titles.
Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain were both on the verge of leaving City, but both positions have already been filled with Hugo Viana.
Guardiola sounded like a manager prepared to supervise squad changes in order to preserve City’s standing in the upcoming years.
“You can’t always win in football,” he remarked. We may not win the other ones this season, but that is not the issue. We have already won one, the Community Shield. The issue is what comes next, what choices must we make to remain in the running and remain a strong team?
To win again, the supporters must motivate us. Some may think it’s sufficient, but others will be as thrilled as I am. They know us very well, and we’ll never give up. I know them all. We attended the most recent games. Although there are still some adjustments to be made, hopefully it will happen.