‘I have to earn new deal’, insists Guardiola

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Pep Guardiola insists he still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City despite winning five major trophies in the past two seasons.

City are keen for Guardiola to commit to a deal beyond the current one that ends in 2021.

But, in the midst of a frustrating season that sees City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 14 points, the 48year-old says there is no rush to agree an extension, partly because performance will be a factor in his future.

“I have one more year and always I have to deserve to extend my contract,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“Managers, we have to get results. At this club you have to win. In football, we spoke about this, the situation 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 still have a lot of time. So 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-anda-half years is a long time for the managers, a lot of time, so we have to see altogether how it works, how it’s going on.”

Guardiola spent four years as Barcelona boss and three years with Bayern Munich before joining City in 2016.

He will have been at the Etihad Stadium for five years if he finishes his current City deal.

Some pundits believe that will mark the end of his reign, but Guardiola disagrees.

“I said many times how incredible, what a good time I have here, and I would like to stay as long as possible,” Guardiola said.