Manchester City fans are now expecting official confirmation that Pep Guardiola has extended his contract.
It was widely reported a few days ago that the current Manchester City manager has agreed to do another season at the Etihad Stadium, and he’ll have the option of a second year.
Fans were delighted that Guardiola is extending at Man City, having watch the Spaniard turn the club into a dominant force in English football over the last nine years.
There were some suggestions that Man City drew up contingency plans while waiting for Guardiola.
But Fabrizio Romano has since reported City never made contact with the likes of Xabi Alonso or Ruben Amorim, and that they were always confident Pep Guardiola would stay.
But just why has the Spaniard agreed to extend? Transfer expert Graeme Bailey informs Manchester City News of two big reasons.
Guardiola didn’t want to leave Man City at same time as Txiki Begiristain
There are likely a great many reasons why Guardiola has ultimately decided to stay on as Manchester City manager.
But journalist Graeme Bailey tells us that a couple of things really helped to convince him not to walk away.
The first reason is the potential to pit his wits against new Premier League managers. Bailey says: “The battle he’s got with Arne Slot at Liverpool and Arteta, Maresca’s involved and Ruben Amorim, I think it’s exciting for him. It keeps him hungry.
“I think if City were romping away 20 points clear, I think it might be a different conversation. But there’s enough there to keep him interested. It keeps him going to 2026.”
Another reason why Guardiola didn’t want to walk away was because Txiki Begiristain in already doing so. The director of football is leaving at the end of the season and being suceeded by Hugo Viana.
Some thought this might be something that would push Guardiola to leave, but Bailey says it’s actually the opposite.
“They were always confident,” he added. “I don’t think he was that keen on leaving them at the same time as Begiristain, I don’t think that would have been a good look.”
Guardiola loves being Man City manager
Guardiola extending his contract should not really come as too much of a surprise.
The 53-year-old may have won it all with the club, but you can see how much he still loves his role – and that really comes across in the new documentary the club have released.
Yes the footage is from last season. But term this term Guardiola has cut a very enthusiastic figure, at least in public, despite facing a number of challenges so far.
| Pep Guardiola at Manchester City (2016-present) |
| Games managed – 490 |
| Wins – 360 |
| Draws – 60 |
| Losses – 70 |
| Goals scored – 1239 |
| Goals conceded – 446 |
| Trophies won – 18 |
Guardiola is a perfectionist, and he’s obssessive about football. And he knows he’s got everything in place at City to continue his incredible dynasty.
It’s interesting to hear that Guardiola actually felt more inclined to stay because of Begiristain’s departure. Seemingly, that suggests he cares too much and didn’t want to leave the club in the lurch.
For the club to lose both members of the Begiristain-Guardiola double act would have been seismic.
