New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) Pep Guardiola’s potential contract extension would see him remain in charge till 2026, marking a decade-long tenure with Manchester City after having joined from Bayern Munich in 2016, but with the side currently on a four-game winless streak, what does the extension mean on a larger scale?
The Spaniard’s current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 PL season, and it was expected that may be the end of the Guardiola era in the Premier League with rumours of a national team coaching job being suggested, but as reported by The Athletic, he has now agreed to a new one-year contract extension with the option of an additional year.
With Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain set to leave at the end of the campaign, it was expected that perhaps Guardiola’s departure would result in a rebuilding phase for the four-time defending champions. Kevin De Bruyne’s links to Saudi Arabia and interest from La Liga clubs in Rodri being evident, the club would have had to move in a new direction with Guardiola’s successor.
The extension acts as a message for the clubs, who were circling around potential transfer exits and also causes concern for clubs like Arsenal, who are in their third consecutive season of attempting to dethrone City from the top.
City are likely to scour the January transfer window in search of Rodri’s replacement and go on to make big signings in the summer transfer window, in attempts to compete at the top of the division for the following years.
After joining City in 2016, Guardiola has won 18 trophies so far, including six Premier League titles. Under his reign, City become just the second English men’s team to win the Treble – the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season.
Pep’s commitment and positive talks with the club reflected in his post-match conference after City’s 4-1 loss vs Sporting CP.
“It is a tough challenge, but I am here. It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it,” said Guardiola.
When asked about rumours of him joining Brazil after his contract with the City ended he joked, “After a 4-1 defeat, I’m no longer an option. More than ever, I want to lift up the team and return them to their top level.”
Manchester City are currently second in the Premier League having fallen five points behind league leaders Liverpool and are currently outside the automatic qualification spots in the UEFA Champions League at 10th place with two wins, a draw, and a loss each in four games.
–IANS
aaa/bc
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
