GUARDIOLA KNOWS THE DEAL
PEP GUARDIOLA says he must earn a new Manchester City contract – despite his record-breaking achievements.
The City boss has another 18 months on his current deal but has yet to agree new terms, unlike Liverpool rival Jurgen Klopp who has extended until 2024. Despite leading his side to back-to-back Premier League titles and a historic domestic treble last season, Guardiola says he still has to prove himself to the club’s hierarchy.
But with a third straight title seemingly out of reach – City trail leaders Liverpool by 14 points – and the loss of assistant boss Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, Guardiola is facing a major challenge amid rumours he could walk away at the end of the season.
Although he is considered to be one of the world’s best coaches, Guardiola claims he is under pressure to deliver
– and pointed to the raft of recent managerial sackings to back his point.
“I have one more year and always I have to deserve to extend my contract,” he said.
“Managers, we have to get results and at this club you have to win.
“In football the situation has changed a lot. Managers today, even in this country, they change a lot.
“In just four or five months how many managers have been sacked?
So that’s why we have to be patient and do our job. We have patience.
“We have an incredible relationship with the board, with the people who decide, and we will take the decision that is best for the club.
“I think, in football, one-and-a-half years is a long time for the managers so we have to see altogether how it works, how it’s going on.
“I said many times what an incredible and good time I have here and I would like to stay as long as possible. “So that is my desire but I will only be sure if it’s the best for the club that they want me to stay longer.
“It will be five years with one club, in this league, so that’s why it is important to be sure the decision is perfect for both sides.
“That’s why there’s no rush, it’s not finishing in three or four months.
“The club is working perfectly in all departments so it’s not a problem, honestly.”
City host second-placed Leicester today, with Riyad Mahrez, who joined them from the Foxes for a then club-record £60m 18 months ago, admitting he is far from shocked at his former club’s form this term.
“I’m not surprised by them, they’re a good team,” said Mahrez.
“They have good players and Jamie Vardy is scoring a lot of goals. They have a good manager. I’m not surprised at all.” still have a lot of time so we have to