Pep Guardiola has indicated that he might extend his tenure at Manchester City beyond the end of this season.
Guardiola’s contract is set to expire after the upcoming campaign.
Following City’s historic achievement of winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola had cast uncertainty on his future by suggesting he was “closer to leaving than staying.”
Having managed City for eight seasons and securing the league title six times as part of a total of 17 trophies, Guardiola spoke to reporters in New York before City’s pre-season match against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.
He noted that no decision has been made yet regarding his future.
“I didn’t say I was leaving,” he said.
“Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I don’t rule out extending the contract. I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players.
“When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season, and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see.”
Guardiola expressed his desire to be in charge for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States next summer. However, he remains uncertain about the tournament itself due to ongoing disputes between FIFA and major players’ unions.
City might face up to 75 matches throughout the season, beginning with the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley on August 10 and potentially concluding with the Club World Cup final in the United States on July 13.
Striker Erling Haaland noted that it’s challenging for any player to remain fresh for such a demanding number of games.
“It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year,” Haaland said.
“You could see at the Euros how tired people will be. Some will get a lot of vacation. You have to work with the people around you to be the best version of yourself.”
Not that Guardiola seemed to have much sympathy for the Norwegian.
Guardiola allowed the City players involved in the Copa America and Euro 2024 latter stages to choose when they returned to pre-season training because he did not want them coming back exhausted.
Norway, for whom Haaland plays, failed to qualify for the Euros.
“Has to rest more,” said Guardiola of Haaland. “If he is tired, go to bed early. Tired is an excuse.”