Tag: Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said he would speak to Manchester City’s hierarchy over his future after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended his team’s hopes of winning the Premier League.

The result at the Vitality Stadium confirmed Arsenal as English champions after a 22-year wait. Manchester City are four points behind their rivals with just one game remaining and cannot catch them.

Widespread reports on Monday said City boss Guardiola would stand down after Sunday’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa. The club have yet to respond publicly to the speculation.

“Allow me to talk with my chairman,” Guardiola told the BBC. “I have one more year (of my) contract.

“When I finish the season, every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.”

“I have from my experience, when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving, the players don’t follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Catalan was again asked for clarity in his post-match press conference, but instead chose to congratulate Arsenal and their manager, Mikel Arteta, who previously worked under him at City.

Pep Guardiola said his team had suffered from tiredness, three days after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final to complete a domestic cup double.

“I would have loved to have arrived in the last moment, you know… but today the fatigue was there,” he added.

The departure of the City boss would bring to an end one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history.

Since the 55-year-old’s appointment in 2016, City have won 20 trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Guardiola’s former assistant Enzo Maresca is understood to have been lined up to replace him, having been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the start of the year.

READ: Arsenal end 22-year wait to win Premier League title

Pep Guardiola is set to bring his trophy-laden decade in charge of Manchester City to an end this weekend, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Guardiola, 55, has won six Premier League titles and City’s first Champions League title among 20 trophies since arriving in England in 2016.

He could add one more to his tally if City win their final two matches of the season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa and Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday’s final round of Premier League fixtures.

The Daily Mail and The Athletic reported that Guardiola will step down after the visit of Villa to the Etihad. Meanwhile, City have made no comment on the speculation.

However, the club have arranged a parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs this season, which could act as a farewell to Guardiola.

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola’s staff at City, is reportedly in line to take over next season.

Guardiola has one more year remaining on his contract, but rumours that he was set to depart at the end of the season have circulated for months.

After a first trophyless season for seven years in the 2024/25 campaign, a rejuvenated City have bounced back.

Victory over Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final completed a domestic cup double, and they could still usurp Arsenal for a seventh league title in nine years.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pep Guardiola arrived in England as already one of Europe’s most decorated coaches. His four-year spell at boyhood club Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 captured admirers across the globe, winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles.

He added three more league titles in three seasons at Bayern Munich.

A similarly short spell was expected when City lured him to the Premier League. But his influence has transformed the English game at all levels over the past 10 years.

Backed by the deep pockets of Abu Dhabi royalty, Manchester City have stepped out of the shadow of local rivals Manchester United to become the dominant force in England.

Guardiola’s brand of passing football has been copied from grassroots through to the elite level. Even City’s competitors have turned to his disciples to catch up.

Arsenal, managed by Guardiola’s former assistant Mikel Arteta, are on the brink of their first league title in 22 years.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has said his coaching philosophy was shaped by watching the City boss’ Barcelona team, while new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso moved to Bayern in the final years of his playing career to gain the experience of working under Guardiola.

The timing of Guardiola’s exit comes with the outcome of an investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches by City of financial regulations still to be released.

First charged by the Premier League in February 2023, an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024, with the case hanging over City’s achievements on the pitch ever since.

READ: Jose Mourinho agrees return to Real Madrid: sources

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City do not feel extra pressure even though they realistically need to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

City, with three games left, are five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

Failure to win at the Etihad would mean Mikel Arteta’s side could clinch their first Premier League title for 22 years against Burnley on Monday.

Guardiola was asked at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday how much pressure City were under after recent results, including last week’s damaging 3-3 draw at Everton.

“Same one, two days, three days, four days ago, one week, two weeks, same one,” he said.

The City boss, chasing a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons, said he had not seen his players to gauge their mood since the dramatic end to Arsenal’s match at West Ham on Sunday.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Gunners won 1-0 after relegation-threatened West Ham’s last-gasp equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy VAR check.

“I learned from my career as a manager, what you cannot control, forget about it,” said Guardiola.

“(Focus) and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting and (next it is) Crystal Palace.”

Palace host Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season, just days before they face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final, but Guardiola said he was not concerned at the prospect they could field a weakened team.

“They are so professional, the teams,” he said. “Crystal Palace will play top. We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs (a 1-1 draw), how even being out of the relegation battle… how they compete.”

Guardiola said Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov were both “better” and that he would decide after training on Tuesday whether either were ready to return to action.

City face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, still in the running for a domestic treble after winning the League Cup earlier this season.

READ: Hansi Flick extends contract with Barcelona

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City must bounce back against Brentford on Saturday to put pressure back on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

City’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday handed the destiny of the title to the Gunners.

Arsenal are five points clear with three games to play, while City have four matches remaining.

Victory for Guardiola’s men at the Etihad against Champions League hopefuls Brentford would cut the gap at the top for at least 24 hours before Arsenal visit West Ham.

“Put pressure on Arsenal winning our games,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “That’s all we have to do. All we can do.”

City were on course for defeat at Everton until Jeremy Doku’s sensational strike with virtually the last kick of the game salvaged a point.

The Belgian scored twice at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to take his tally to four goals in his last five games and register his best goalscoring season in a City shirt with seven.

“I’m so glad,” Guardiola added on Doku’s development. “Not just the goals, the assists, also contributing defensively. Jeremy has been amazing this season.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

A seventh league title in nine seasons may prove beyond City’s men, but the club did celebrate a first Women’s Super League success for 10 years this week.

Andree Jeglertz’s side ended Chelsea’s run of six consecutive league titles.

“Today is a reality in the world of football the impact of the women’s team on society and the girls, how they enjoy to play football,” added Guardiola.

“I think it’s the biggest step world football has made in the last decade. Before it started, I think you never could have imagined the impact on the girls, the teenagers, who now say ‘I want to play football’.

“As much as you play a sport, it’s fantastic. And of course, a big compliment (to the City women’s team).”

Guardiola is hopeful Rodri could return from injury against Brentford, while centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are also nearing full fitness.

READ: Ramiz Raja labels Shaheen Afridi as ‘medium pacer’

Pep Guardiola has eased Manchester City’s fears that Rodri could be ruled out for the remainder of the Premier League season, but the Spain midfielder is set to miss Wednesday’s trip to Burnley.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was instrumental to City’s critical 2-1 win over title rivals Arsenal on Sunday before being forced off late on with a groin problem.

Rodri, 29, is unlikely to feature as City aim to go top of the table for the first time this year at Turf Moor.

But City then have 12 days until their next league game at Everton as they face Southampton in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.

“I think for tomorrow he will not be ready,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “We’ll see for next games, the semi-final against Southampton or against Everton.”

Rodri’s return to form after an injury-disrupted 18 months has played a major role in City’s surge back into the title race as he has formed a dominant midfield partnership alongside Bernardo Silva.

“Both are experienced, they have a huge special personality,” added Guardiola.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“They are not young guys anymore, experienced guys, but played a lot of this type of games and know how it must be played. They were exceptional.”

Even if City win to condemn Burnley to relegation, they will still only be level on points with Arsenal with five games to go.

Momentum is with Guardiola’s men, but he is wary of a tougher run-in for his side, which includes visits to Everton and Bournemouth, who are both in the running to qualify for Europe next season.

“Both teams know we cannot lose or drop points,” said Guardiola, who is aiming to win a seventh league title in nine seasons.

“It will be difficult to recover and our calendar is so demanding. The opponents are really tough.”

READ: PSL 11: Fakhar Zaman stars as Lahore Qalandars edge Quetta Gladiators

Pep Guardiola has remained tight-lipped over his future at Manchester City, refusing to clarify whether he will continue beyond the ongoing season amid increasing speculation surrounding his long-term plans.

Reports, including one from ESPN, suggest the City boss was expected to make a decision during the recent international break regarding his stay at the Etihad Stadium, where he is currently contracted until 2027.

While the club is keen for him to remain in charge next season, there is also an acceptance internally that the 55-year-old could opt to step away earlier than expected.

Addressing the media on Friday, Guardiola avoided offering any fresh insight into his situation.

“I spoke many times about that,” he said, offering a brief response when questioned directly about his future.

Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola’s immediate focus remains firmly on the pitch, with City preparing for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The upcoming encounter presents a significant test, even though Liverpool arrive with inconsistent form, having managed just two wins in their last six matches across all competitions.

They also face a demanding schedule, including a UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, Pep Guardiola was quick to dismiss any notion of complacency, highlighting Liverpool’s pedigree and long-standing rivalry with his side.

“They have been the biggest rival,” he said. “It is a team that made an incredible investment last season to compete at the highest level for many years. They are a top contender with top-class players.”

He further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, referencing the City’s recent performances as a benchmark.

“Hopefully we can perform at the level that we did against Arsenal to reach the next step,” he added.

READ: Kenya ex-captain Victor Wanyama announces football retirement

Pep Guardiola knows Manchester City are not a “complete team”, but he is convinced they can still overhaul Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Guardiola’s side suffered a damaging blow when they were held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Second-placed City are seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, although they have a game in hand and host the Gunners in April.

City have bounced back from disappointing results countless times during Guardiola’s glittering tenure.

The Spaniard expects them to do so again against Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, but he conceded his expensively rebuilt team are still a work in progress.

“Normally, we react well. We have the ability to forget quick. We are not a complete team to compete; that is the reality. We are in the process of many changes,” he said.

“But if we can learn quicker, still nothing is lost, we can arrive in the last month with the chances.

“But I’m pretty sure next season will be better. I don’t have doubts about that.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Guardiola’s reference to next season, the final year of his current contract, offers another indication he intends to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

There has been repeated speculation that he could leave this summer after a decade in charge, although he said in December that he wanted to stay.

The Newcastle tie doesn’t kick off until 2000 GMT, which is something Pep Guardiola has mixed feelings about.

It allows for extra recovery time after the Forest game, but shortens preparation for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first-leg trip to Real Madrid.

“Recovery is massively important. Rest, sleep, food, training, we know how to handle it,” he said.

“Of course, when we arrive early at home, it’s better than late for the recovery, but it is what it is.

“For here in England, it is more important what happens in the League Cup than Champions League games for English teams

“I don’t ask for anything, and if we have to play at 8pm, we’re going to play at 8pm.”

READ: Bundesliga: Bayern Munich brush aside Gladbach to continue title march

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City are tasked with chasing down the best team in the world in Premier League leaders Arsenal as he launched a defiant defence of his players after a chastening week.

City were well beaten by local rivals Manchester United last weekend before suffering one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history away to Norway’s Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.

Guardiola’s men are yet to win a league game in 2026, allowing Arsenal to open up a seven-point lead in the title race.

But the City boss backed his “extraordinary” group of players to respond as they remain in contention for silverware in four competitions.

“Absolutely, the best team right now in the world,” said Guardiola on the challenge of chasing down Arsenal, who have also won all seven of their Champions League matches.

“So look in the Champions League, in the Premier League, look in (the) FA Cup, in Carabao Cup – it’s the best team right now.

“Hopefully we can be close and getting better, getting better and have the chance to catch them.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. And we are all together. We are a fantastic football team, I don’t have any doubts about that.”

City’s dip in form has coincided with the loss of key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injury.

The arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace should mitigate their absence with the England international set to make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

“It’s going to help us because the experience of Mark is exceptional,” added Guardiola.

“Considering the absence of central defenders it’s really good.”

Dias, Gvardiol and Nico Gonzalez remain sidelined for City, but Matheus Nunes could return after missing the last two games with a virus.

READ: Chelsea boss Rosenior breaks silence on Palmer’s homesickness reports

Pep Guardiola says he cares more about how Manchester City “grow up” than winning trophies as he prepares his side for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final away to Newcastle on Tuesday.

City ended last season without a major trophy for the first time in eight years, though they did lift the Community Shield at the start of the campaign, beating Manchester United on penalties.

Guardiola, asked at his pre-match press conference on Monday if he felt extra pressure after missing out on the big prizes last season, insisted he was not focused on silverware.

“It’s not about winning or not winning trophies, it’s about how the team grows up, how the team is better,” the City manager said.

“Last season we didn’t deserve to win more than just one trophy, because we didn’t play good. So satisfaction to win a trophy when we are not playing good, can happen, you know, knockout stages, (you can be) lucky.

“It’s not about that. Believe me, it’s not about that. We are here to make the team play better, the satisfaction is to make a good performance for ourselves, our fans.”

Guardiola, who has rebuilt his squad over the past year following the departures of key players, said the point was to improve game by game.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“That is the target, and all the time has been like that,” he explained. “And after, when you are in that process, and you fight for the title, you can win it.

“But after the title, big compliments, the day after, a little bit less compliments, two days after, three days, it’s forgotten. It’s another. So it’s the journey, it’s how you improve. That is what you have to do to live our profession.”

City won the League Cup for four seasons in a row from 2018, with the competition proving a launchpad for a decade of domination of English football under Guardiola.

Last season they were dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool and they trail leaders Arsenal by six points in the current campaign.

Chelsea host Arsenal in the first leg of the other League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

READ: Netherlands name squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City despite reports that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has held talks about potentially taking over at the Etihad.

The long-serving City manager, 54, said last month he intended to see out his contract at City, which runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

That followed speculation City had identified Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola’s, as a possible successor to the Spaniard should he decide to step down at the end of this season.

Maresca has since parted company with Chelsea — leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day. It is understood the Italian’s exit came after he informed the club he had held talks with City.

Guardiola, who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his appointment this year, said: “The only (thing) I can say is that Chelsea, I think, from my point of view, lose an incredible, incredible manager, incredible person.

“But this (is a) decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so (I have) nothing to say.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles with City, added: “I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. It’s 10 years here, I will leave one day but I have a contract. I’m happy. I want to fight with my team.

“The hierarchy respect me, that was proved last season with what happened in this club — we didn’t win one game in two, three months. They supported me.

“I have one more year’s contract. I like to be here, so we will see, you will see.”

Title-chasing City dropped two points in an entertaining 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Thursday, which left them four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal at the halfway stage of the season.

Guardiola’s men host Chelsea on Sunday and the City boss admits he is not sure what to expect.

“We don’t talk much if we don’t know what the opponent’s going to be like because we don’t know which manager will be sitting (on the bench),” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen so no concern (about that). Think about yourself, what you have to do. That’s going to help us in two tough games like Chelsea and Brighton.”

Chelsea said Friday that under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane would take interim charge of the team against City.

READ: Pakistan crush Afghanistan to reach U19 tri-series final