Guardiola: 'I could leave Man City tomorrow'

When asked about the possibility of extending his contract with Man City, coach Pep Guardiola said anything could happen, including him leaving the next day.

After the historic treble season, Man City said goodbye to two pillars, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, while Kevin De Bruyne suffered a long-term injury. But Guardiola is still developing Man City by recruiting Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes in the summer transfer window of 2023.

In a press conference before the match against RB Leipzig in the fifth round of Group G of the Champions League, when asked if this process could attract him to continue working with Man City, Guardiola replied: "I have the energy to continue working. But I will not guarantee anything. A year and a half is a very long time in football. I came here with long hair and now let's see what happened."

Guardiola at a press conference before the RB Leipzig match. Photo: AFP .

In seven years at Man City, Guardiola has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and could add the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2023. Last season was the pinnacle, when the Spaniard helped Man City win the first treble in the club's history, including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. He is under contract with Man City until the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Asked further about the possibility of an extension, Guardiola replied: "Of course, but I could also leave tomorrow. I would love for the squad that won 100 points in the Premier League in 2017-2018 to stay forever, but that is not possible. At all clubs this happens."

The two places in Group G have been decided early, with Man City leading with 12 points, Leipzig on nine, and Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys on one each. Guardiola is pleased that Man City have progressed early, but insists the club need to be top to secure the advantage of playing the second leg of the round of 16 at home. "It's not decisive, but it's a little advantage and we have to take advantage of it," he said.

The 52-year-old also praised the fans who always come to support him, saying they make a big difference in tight games. "The Etihad is always full, and we have to play as well as we can and be as creative as we can to give the fans energy," Guardiola said. "We have to do that all the time. Hopefully tomorrow they can come and enjoy the game again."

Kevin de Bruyne suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury from the Premier League opener against Burnley 3-0 and had to undergo surgery. Over the weekend, the Belgian midfielder revealed that he could return at the beginning of the new year. Regarding this, Guardiola said: "If De Bruyne says he will be back in January, it will be January. If De Bruyne says he will be back at the end of December, it is a happy new year for everyone."

Hong Duy

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