Pep Guardiola remains silent on Manchester City future

Pep Guardiola refused to publicly comment on the expectation that his 10-year reign at Manchester City would come to an end after the team drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. Despite reports indicating he had already informed his players, Guardiola stated, “I could say I have one year of contract – the conversation we have had for many years.” The draw allowed Arsenal to secure the Premier League title, intensifying the scrutiny on Guardiola's future.

Throughout the season, Guardiola had consistently deflected questions regarding his departure. He noted, “Always from my experience, when you [media] announce whatever you announce during a competition, it is a bad, bad result.” He clarified that the first person to know his decision would be Khaldoon al-Mubarak, the chair of City Football Group, emphasizing the importance of consulting with both him and Ferran Soriano, the chief executive: “The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decide – we will talk, it is simple as that and after that we will take the decision.”

Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with his position at Manchester City, stating, “I am the happiest man on the planet to be in this club. This club is extraordinary.” He confirmed that his conversation with Mubarak was imminent, remarking, “I always said that when you are fighting for the titles or Premier Leagues or FA Cups, in the first moment, there is a problem the players don’t follow you anymore.” He looked ahead to discussing the upcoming season, mentioning, “Now is a moment with Ferran and my chairman to talk, and after that, we will see what happens … taking nothing for granted. Next season we will be back, City will be back.”

Instead of focusing on his future, Guardiola chose to congratulate Arsenal, managed by his former assistant at City, Mikel Arteta. He remarked, “We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players, and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it.”

Guardiola attributed the team's struggles partly to a heavy schedule, saying, “I would have loved to arrive at the last moment but today the fatigue was there.” Erling Haaland’s late equaliser did not prevent Arsenal from claiming the title, which marked their first league victory in 22 years. Reflecting on the match, Guardiola noted, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose in the last moment because the opponents are really good, really tough.”

Bernardo Silva, with his own departure confirmed for the summer, commented on Guardiola’s situation: “Well, I honestly don’t know about it. That’s his decision, that’s his announcement to make if he stays or if he goes. That’s not on me.”