Pep Guardiola will continue to roam the sidelines at Etihad Stadium through 2027 after Manchester City announced they had come to terms on a 2 year extension with their manager on Thursday.
“Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City will continue; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game,” said City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our Club, and the English game at large. This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.”
Guardiola’s run of success with Manchester City is the stuff of legend, having won 353 of the 490 matches across all competitions during his time with the club. That’s good for a 72% win percentage, while his offence averaged 2.45 goals per game during that span.
“Manchester City means so much to me,” said Guardiola in a prepared statement. “This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.”
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”
The Catalan’s trophy cabinet is already jam packed with hardware, having won 18 major trophies, including 6 Premier League titles, and a UEFA Champions League crown to boot. Manchester City also became the first team in the history of English Football to win 4 top-flight titles in a row following their Premier League championship last season.
According to reports, there were concerns internally with the club that Pep was considering stepping down at the conclusion of this season. However, the extension suddenly adds clarity to an uncertain situation, one that could have gone sideways quickly if Guardiola moved on given that director of football Txiki Begiristain will also be leaving the club this coming summer.
Through 11 Premier League games, City currently boasts a 7-2-2 record, and sit 5 points behind league leaders Liverpool (9-1-1). Up next for Man City is a Saturday November 23rd clash with Tottenham.
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