Pep Guardiola has expressed his 'love' for defending Manchester City against allegations of financial breaches, a sentiment that influenced his decision to sign a new two-year contract. The club's most successful manager put an end to speculation about his future by extending his tenure until 2027. Guardiola revealed that the agreement was reached during a two-hour meeting with City's top brass, including CEO Ferran Soriano and outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain. He signed for two years to prevent further speculation about his future in a year's time.
Guardiola appeared invigorated by the agreement as he prepared for Tottenham's visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, despite suffering four consecutive defeats, the worst streak of his managerial career. He reiterated his commitment to staying as City's manager, even if the club were relegated to the 'Conference'—a punishment he claimed 75% of Premier League rivals desired—if found guilty of breaching Premier League rules.
The 130 charges currently being heard, along with City's dispute with the Premier League over associated party transactions (APT) rules, have overshadowed the team's success. However, Guardiola insisted these challenges only strengthen his resolve to guide the club through this contentious period. 'I don't enjoy it, I prefer not to be in that position, but once it's there I love it,' Guardiola said about defending City against various off-field matters. 'Because you believe in your club and the people there. I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. I said, 'OK, let's see.' I cannot say [any more] yet because we're awaiting the sentence in February or March—I don't know when—but, at the same time, I like it.'
Sixteen clubs supported the Premier League's proposed changes to APT rules on Friday, with only four backing the broader challenge that City favored. Guardiola claimed most top-flight clubs would also like to see the champions relegated if found guilty of financial rule breaches. City deny any wrongdoing. 'I read something about the situation and how we need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes,' Guardiola said. 'But I don't live with it. I live with the four defeats, what I have to do. There are lawyers on both sides. I don't think about it.'
Guardiola confirmed he would not leave even if City were relegated from the Premier League. 'I said that six months or one year ago,' he added. 'It's not because I extend the contract that I pretend to be 'oh how nice is Pep?' What happens if we get relegated? I will be here. Next year we will come up, I don't know, if we are in the Conference [National League] we are going to come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.'
Guardiola gave a wry smile when asked if he decided to stay due to the four successive losses. However, he admitted to having some doubts about committing earlier this season. 'Time,' he said. 'At the time we started really well, we won the Community Shield—one title again this season. We started top of the league and we dropped points for what I would say were obvious reasons. But I had no doubts about the players. If I had doubts [about them], I would not extend. I love working with them still and know how they behave in these moments. It happened yesterday, every time I sit down for a new contract—they love you.'
Guardiola's great Premier League rival, Jürgen Klopp, cited fatigue as a reason to step down after nine seasons with Liverpool earlier this year. 'I am tired,' said Guardiola, who is in his ninth season with City. 'Sometimes it is, 'oh, another game.' The difference that helped me? Win, win, win. Life is better when you win. It helps to continue.'
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