Pep Guardiola has agreed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City.
The 53-year-old Spaniard – widely considered to be the finest coach in world football – entered into the final 12 months of his existing deal in the summer and uncertainty had been growing over his long-term future at the Etihad.
Txiki Begiristain’s recent departure as director of football only intensified speculation that Guardiola could follow suit at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with Ruben Amorim reportedly sounded out prior to his appointment at Manchester United.
However, The Athletic report that Guardiola has now reached an agreement to prolong his stay until 2026, with the option of an additional year.
It is claimed official confirmation of Guardiola’s renewal is expected on Thursday.
Guardiola took over the reins from Manuel Pellegrini back in 2016 and has steered City to 18 pieces of silverware across eight years of extraordinary success in the north west.
The reigning English champions endured a difficult few weeks prior to the international break, losing four games on the spin in all competitions, but club bosses have been unwavering in their support of Guardiola.
‘It is a tough challenge, but I am here,’ the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss told the media after City’s recent Champions League defeat to Sporting.
‘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.’
Second-placed City sit five points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League after 11 games. Guardiola’s men will look to bridge that gap when they return to top-flight action at home to Tottenham this weekend.
Speaking just last month, Ederson, a player central to City’s recent success, suggested the club had already identified Guardiola’s successor should the Catalan decide to move on.
‘City is a very well-structured club, well-managed, great directors, great CEO,’ the Brazilian goalkeeper told TNT Sports Brazil.
‘I believe the club already has the next manager in mind … the day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work.
‘Of course it’d be a great loss [if Guardiola left]. We’re talking about the best manager in the world but I see a really well-prepared club for the post-Pep era.’
More to follow.
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