GAFFER FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT
PEP GUARDIOLA has again refused to commit his future to Manchester City.
The Spaniard is still smarting from Liverpool’s runaway title victory and has pledged to fight back next season, the final year of his current contract.
But the City boss refuses to look beyond 2021 – fuelling speculation it could be his last season with a two-year Champions League UEFA ban looming.
Asked if he was ready to reshape City’s team to meet Liverpool’s challenge in future seasons Guardiola said: “I’m incredibly excited for this part of the season, and the next one.
“I am incredibly satisfied to be in this club and to try to do our best. But I don’t want to think too far ahead. Now is not the time. I just think about today. We have a tough game away against Newcastle in the FA Cup and we have to be focused.”
Problems are mounting for Guardiola with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) currently deliberating on the two-year suspension from the Champions League handed down by UEFA for alleged serious Financial Fair Play breaches.
City have not asked for a stay of the ban which would have meant they could play in the tournament if no CAS decision is reached by August 3 when the draw is made for next season’s competition.
Leading midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has already hinted a two-year Euro ban may make him rethink his future at the Etihad.
City are in the market for a new striker with 32-year-old Sergio Aguero currently recovering from knee surgery, while the club will also need to replace German winger Leroy Sane who wants to leave for Bayern Munich.
Striker Raheem Sterling has so far not committed to a new contract, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona closely monitoring his situation.
City’s defence has been suspect in this campaign and may need reinforcing while the future of John Stones is also uncertain.