Guardiola is ready to lift the Blues
PEP GUARDIOLA will commit his future to Manchester City before the end of the season. The Blues coach, 47 has one year left on his current contract and talks over an extension have been ongoing. Although City came up short in Europe for the second season running under Guardiola, their belief in the
Catalan remains strong. It is understood he is close to signing a one-year extension on his £15million-a-year deal, having won the EFL Cup and with the Premier League title a formality.
City hold a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the league and are closing in on a maiden title under Guardiola.
But he is set to start next season’s Champions League campaign in the stands after losing the plot with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz at half-time in City’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the quarterfinal, second leg at the Etihad on Tuesday.
The City boss will serve an automatic one-match ban for his side’s opening group game next season for his dismissal.
But if UEFA’s disciplinary body deem Guardiola’s words and actions towards the Spanish official were abusive, his ban could be increased.
Guardiola has also been charged with improper conduct by UEFA, relating to his communication with his coaching staff following his sending-off.
Under their rules, coaches dismissed are not permitted to have any contact with their staff, but Guardiola openly sent messages from the stands down to the bench via a member of his staff as the second-half unfolded.
UEFA have also charged Liverpool on two counts over the behaviour of their fans, for letting off fireworks and throwing objects.