"I would have let the club down" - Pep Guardiola explains why he decided to make u-turn and extend Manchester City contract
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why he decided to take a u-turn on his decision to leave the club at the end of the season and sign an extension. The Catalan tactician's deal with the English champions was set to expire in the summer, but he recently signed a new two-year extension.
Guardiola has achieved unprecedented success since joining the club in 2016. He has won six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League title since.
Speaking about his decision to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said (via Mirror):
"Since the beginning of the season I've been thinking a lot. I thought that (this season) should be the last one. But with the problems we had in the last month, I felt that now is not the time to leave. I would have let the club down. I felt that I could not leave now. Simple as that. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why and I felt that I cannot leave."
The Manchester City boss concluded, saying:
"I felt the club still wanted me and the fact we're still together so I signed. Every time I sign a contract it's 'OK, the last two. And after I re-signed the contract I said, 'OK, the last two'. Honestly I think right now me and my staff deserve to be here. I'm not arrogant but it's the truth."
Pep Guardiola's first task will be to get Manchester City back in form after their recent performance dip. The English side have lost four consecutive games for the first time under his tutelage.
Guardiola's extension will allow him to stay in the Premier League for over a decade.
Pep Guardiola on what next for Manchester City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola opened up on the possible next steps for his side after their recent poor run of form. Under his stewardship, the reigning English champions have been a force of nature, claiming six titles in eight seasons.
The English side has averaged 2.33 points per game in his 490 games in charge of the Manchester-based side. However, Guardiola's side have struggled for form recently, but the Spaniard remains focused on turning their form around, saying (via Mirror):
"This season we have won one (the Community Shield) already and maybe we are not going to win the other ones but this is not the problem. The problem is what's next, what decisions do we have to take to still be in there, to still be a good team. The fans have to push us to win again."
Pep Guardiola concluded, saying:
"Some will be delighted like I am but some might believe it's enough. I know all of them - they know us quite well and we'll never give up. In the last games we were there. We still have to adjust some things but hopefully it will happen."
Manchester City are second on the Premier League table, five points behind Arne Slot's Liverpool. Pep Guardiola's charges face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, November 23, and will be keen to avenge their 2-1 loss against the Londoners in the League Cup.
