One of the biggest stories that will surround Manchester City this season is is it Pep Guardiola’s final season as City manager? Guardiola has been the architect of Manchester City’s recent era of dominance of English football. Heading into the 24/25 season speculation over Guardiola’s future has the potential to dominate the headlines. But the City manager has dropped a hint that he could extend his stay as Manchester City manager.
Speaking before his team’s 3-2 friendly loss to AC Milan Pep Guardiola was asked about his future. He explained his statement after City claimed their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season when he said he wouldn’t be City manager for another 8 years. Guardiola explained: “I know maybe I was not correct to say in the right moment when we won the Premier League, but I’m saying that I’ve been eight years in Man City so I’m not here for eight more years. That’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving. When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving. But I didn’t say it. I will not rule it out absolutely to extend the contract. I just want to be sure it’s the right decision, not just for me, for the club.”
Manchester City’s rivals will be hoping the 24/25 season is Guardiola’s last as City manager but could he extend his tenure at the world champions?
Manchester City’s rivals will certainly be hoping that the 24/25 season is Pep Guardiola’s last in charge of Manchester City. During his reign as City manager, he has been the architect of City’s era of dominance of English football. Guardiola sets the template that his team follows and his team has raised the bar in terms of what it takes to win the English Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side fell short against Guardiola’s City side, and the past two seasons have seen Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side follow suit. City’s rivals will be hoping that the day Guardiola leaves Manchester City will see their era of dominance end.
But it isn’t out of the realms of possibility that Guardiola extends his stay at Manchester City. The environment at the club is the best for Guardiola to do what he does best. It is unlikely that the City manager could find another club that is built in his image like Manchester City. There is also the challenge of keeping City at the top of English football. During Guardiola’s tenure, Manchester City have become the dominant force in English football. It is one thing to seize that crown. It is another to maintain it. That challenge could keep Pep Guardiola on as Manchester City manager beyond the 24/25 season.
After Pep Guardiola’s recent comments there is a real possibility that he will continue on as Manchester City manager following the 24/25 season. Everyone associated with Manchester City will be hoping that proves to be the case. Guardiola’s future will be one of the dominant storylines of the 24/25 season until it is resolved. But now the option of Guardiola building on his City legacy is in play. That has the potential to be bad news for Manchester City’s rivals if he does sign a new contract at some point next season.
