Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is out-of-contract at the club next year and HITC reveals the current situation around the Spanish supremo.
Guardiola led City to an historic treble last season as he claimed the Champions League title for the first time since arriving in England.
Now City are remarkably in contention to win back-to-back trebles, which is something never witnessed before in British football.
City remain firmly in the Premier League title battle, whilst their hunt for a second European crown remains intact after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. The second-leg takes place in Manchester next week, before they face Chelsea in the FA Cup last four the following week.
Pep Guardiola says a quick decision over future is normal
Guardiola, whose current deal expires in the summer of 2025, rarely talks publicly about his future but he was asked in January in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement he would be leaving Anfield.
“Normally the decision is quick,” Guardiola said.
“We cannot admit eight years is a lot of time. Next year will be nine seasons, so it is a lot of time. We have to see the players, how is their behaviour, our standards, if we can keep it, and if the players follow you, if I am tired or not.
“Many things are involved in that. Extending after two years is not the same as extending after nine. It’s completely different. Still I am sitting here and I am OK.
“I think we have time. Now I feel really good like always I have been but football changes a lot. I have my opinion that when you have a year and a half left on your contract it is a lot, a lot of time in world football. We have time.”
Man City ready to open talks with Pep Guardiola
HITC is told that Manchester City will hold talks with Guardiola will hold talks in the summer – but we are told the club are not rushing him and do not expect any decision until the end of the year.
Guardiola arrived at City in 2016 and has since signed three new deals. The last two of those have both come in the November before his contract was due to expire in the following summer – in both 2020 and 2022.
HITC is told that City’s hierarchy have always made it clear to Guardiola that there is a new deal on the table ready for him – but they are not pushing him as they know the Spaniard will look at the situation ‘at the right time’.
HITC understands that City’s hierarchy is keeping an eye on the coaching market – as they would not want to be caught off guard should Guardiola decide to depart.
One of those they have huge admiration for is Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta – which stems from his time with the club, but sources insist that it is normal practice for any club to make sure they are well placed – should a replacement be needed and required.
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