‘I have energy’: Pep Guardiola hints at extending Manchester City contract

Pep Guardiola has hinted at the possibility of extending his tenure as the Manchester City manager beyond the summer of 2025 when his current contract concludes. Previously expected to leave at the end of his current deal, especially after securing a treble last season, Guardiola is now open to the idea of staying longer. The manager, known for his desire for control, has been evolving City’s squad, bringing in new players like Jérémy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, and Matheus Nunes.

Guardiola, when questioned about the potential extension before RB Leipzig’s Champions League visit, suggested openness to the idea. He stated, “I have energy. I’m not going to answer. One year and a half is a lot of time in football. I arrived here with long hair and look what happened.” When pressed further on the possibility of staying beyond his current deal, Guardiola responded, “Yeah, of course – I can leave tomorrow [too]. I would have loved the team that won 100 points [in the 2017-18 season] to stay eternally. At all the clubs, this happens.”

If Guardiola agrees to fresh terms, it would extend his already highly successful era at City, where, in seven full seasons, the club has secured five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League, and the Super Cup.

Regarding Kevin De Bruyne’s return from a hamstring injury, Guardiola noted that if De Bruyne said ‘January,’ it would indeed be January, expressing optimism about the player’s recovery. However, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, and Nunes are doubtful for the upcoming match against Leipzig, where City needs a point to top their group after already qualifying for the last-16 stage.