The manager of Manchester City has not ruled out the possibility of staying with the club for a longer period.

Pep Guardiola has left the door open to the possibility of extending his tenure as Manchester City manager, despite previously suggesting that he would leave the club. The Spaniard has enjoyed great success during his eight seasons at the helm, winning 17 trophies including four consecutive Premier League titles and a historic Treble.

Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour in the US, Guardiola stated that he has not made a decision about leaving and could potentially sign a contract extension, taking him into his 10th year with City. While Guardiola acknowledged that he is closer to leaving than staying, he emphasized that he has not definitively stated his intention to leave.

He expressed his love for the club and the desire to stay, but also highlighted the importance of making the right decision for himself, the club, and the players. Guardiola praised the commitment and enthusiasm of his players, stating that they continue to give their all regardless of the competition or tournament.

The Catalan manager indicated that he will discuss his future with the club’s CEO and sporting director, but his immediate focus is on the upcoming season. He wants to assess how things are going and the level of connection within the team before making a decision. Guardiola also expressed his desire for goalkeeper Ederson to stay at the club, emphasizing his importance both on and off the pitch.

City’s pre-season friendlies in the US have begun with a narrow loss to Celtic, and they will face AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea before returning to England for the Community Shield against Manchester United. Guardiola also mentioned his interest in participating in the proposed FIFA Club World Cup next summer, although he acknowledged the concerns about the packed fixture list and its impact on players’ fitness and performance. To address this, he allowed players who participated in the Euros and Copa America to choose when they returned to training, ensuring they have sufficient rest and recovery time.

Overall, Guardiola’s comments suggest that he is considering the possibility of staying at Manchester City, but he wants to carefully evaluate the situation before making a final decision.