What Pep Guardiola has told Man City squad about his future beyond two-year contract
Pep Guardiola has offered a behind-the-scenes insight into how long he could actually be staying at the club following recent contract extension.
The Catalan manager signed a two-year contract with Manchester City on Thursday, extending his stay until 2027. Many fans had assumed that Guardiola didn't want to sign a new deal incase the 115 charges that the club are dealing with went wrong. However, he has recently said that he would stay at the club even if they get relegated.
The contract had originally been thought to be a one-year extension, however, it has now been confirmed for two. In spite of that, a video has been released showing the Spanish boss telling his team that he could stay even longer.
READ MORE: Erling Haaland sends clear message amid Real Madrid links
READ MORE: Rodri makes surprise Man City return
In a social media post shared to City's official X account, Rodri returned to the club's training ground with his Ballon d''or. Whilst doing his own speech on his individual win in front of the team, he sends his regards to the manager who is stood next to him.
Rodri ended his speech by saying to Guardiola: "I congratulate you on two more years... at least," to which Guardiola responds: "At least yeah." The midfielder then jokingly repeats the "at least" reaction as the rest of the City team laugh.
The Catalan coach is the second longest-serving active manager in England having been at City for over eight years. Simon Weaver at Harrogate Town tops the list at over 15 years.
Although it is a long time with one club, especially having experienced so much success in his tenure, he still has many years to catch up with some of England's all time best. Sir Alex Ferguson was with Manchester United for almost 27 years, and Arsene Wenger led Arsenal for 22. This does speak volumes for what Guardiola has done in only eight seasons.
Whilst the Spaniard was still deciding on whether to stay or go, he had been listed as a potential candidate for the England job. The City boss had previously displayed an interest in international management - and delayed his contract decision to sign a new deal due to a back injury that required surgery last season.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola needed to be convinced he was making the right decision for himself - knowing that he would like to coach an international team before he retires.
At 53-years-old, he still has plenty of time to partake in managing a national side even if he stays beyond his additional two years at City. For now, it sounds like he's at least open to the idea of staying in Manchester; even beyond his two-year extension.
City will face Tottenham tomorrow at the Etihad. Guardiola will look to recover from their four defeats on the bounce - the most the experienced manager has lost in a row in his career. They'll be looking at closing the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table.
