Guardiola ready to extend Etihad stay

PEP GUARDIOLA is open to extending his stay at Manchester City beyond 2019. The Spaniard’s contract runs until the end of next season, with talks over fresh terms not expected before the summer. Guardiola’s focus remains on winning his first silverware in England but any negotiations should go smoothly given his strong relations with members of the City board. It raises the possibility of his spell at the Etihad Stadium eclipsing the four years he spent in charge of Barcelona and his three at Bayern Munich. Guardiola, who earns around £15million a year, is enjoying life in the North West and is comfortable in a city-centre apartment with his family. The 46-year-old has also been encouraged by how City’s squad have responded to his methods this season after he was given significant funds to correct problem areas.