“The reality is…” – Pep Guardiola hints at Manchester City exit in honest admission | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed his future at the Etihad Stadium following Sunday’s historic Premier League title win.

The 53-year-old could conclude his penultimate campaign at Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup Final this weekend, with Pep Guardiola out of contract in east Manchester in 2025.

The Catalonian has spent eight years at Manchester City, having moved to east Manchester in 2016 from Bayern Munich, and signing three further contract extensions since arriving at the club.

Guardiola won his 17th major trophy with Manchester City on Sunday, as the Cityzens claimed a historic fourth successive Premier League title with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of Phil Foden’s first-half brace and Rodri’s second-half strike.

The Manchester City boss has lifted six league titles in seven years, alongside winning the UEFA Champions League, Emirates FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World, UEFA Super Cup and FA Community Shield during his time at the club.

Guardiola’s future beyond the end of next season is subject to growing doubt however, with the potential for the 53-year-old to leave at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, following the conclusion of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in the United States.

The Catalan addressed his long-term future following Sunday’s title success, admitting post-match that his time at the Etihad Stadium is drawing to a close.

“The reality is I’m closer to leaving than staying,” said Guardiola.

“Eight years will be nine. Right now, my feeling is I want to stay next season. We’ll talk with the club, we have time to talk next season. I have to see the Man City players as well, if they follow me, if they follow us, and for many reasons.

“I feel fine, I want to continue next season. But the reality is I’m closer to saying ‘bye bye’ than to stay seven more years. Next season, we will talk and decide what is the best for everyone. But right now, I’m exhausted, tired, but I’m happy.”

The Premier League is set for a series of major management departures this month, with Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool, and both David Moyes and Roberto De Zerbi announcing exits from West Ham and Brighton respectively.

Thomas Tuchel will also leave Bayern Munich and there is fresh uncertainty surrounding Xavi’s future as manager at Barcelona.