Pep Guardiola is reportedly expected to see out the remainder of the Premier League season before deciding whether to fulfil the final year of his Manchester City contract. Arsenal remain locked in a title race with City, sitting nine points clear at the top of the table.
City do, however, have a game in hand onCrystal Palace, and speculation around the Spaniard’s future has continued to grow. According to theIrish Independent, Guardiola will wait until the campaign concludes before making a call. Guardiola has one year left on his current deal, which runs until the summer of 2027.
Despite suggestions that City have 'formally asked' the 55-year-old to clarify his intentions, the report claims this is not the case. Instead, he is said to want to assess where the team stands under him in May, reflect on how he feels, and then make a decision.
The FA Cup final takes place on May 16, with the Premier League season ending on May 24. City could still complete a domestic treble, though several results would need to fall their way. Whether that prospect encourages Guardiola to stay remains to be seen.
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If Guardiola does choose to walk away, it would mark a huge loss for both City and the Premier League. His rivalry with Arsenal and previously Liverpool, has defined the title race in recent years, pushing the level of English football higher and shaping some of the most memorable recent seasons.
Inevitably, City are drawing up contingency plans in case Guardiola does leave including a shortlist of candidates which reportedly includes former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca - who was Guardiola's assistant at City, Xabi Alonso and former City captain Vincent Kompany. Sporting director Hugo Viana will oversee that process as well as the club's transfer strategy.
City, who hold Guardiola in the highest regard, are understood to have always accepted that he has earned the right to decide his future on his own terms.
Guardiola has always stayed tight‑lipped about his future, but last month, before City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, he said: "Those games, of course I will miss, I have incredible love in this place.
"The people in Madrid don't expect [it], but I have a lot of respect for this institution. I will miss not going to Camp Nou, I'll miss Bayern Munich...
"I will miss these nights because they are so special. I'll miss Selhurst Park as well, I love it. Premier League, these stadiums. Goodison Park - these stadiums are one of the reasons I adore England.
"FA Cup! Against League One [teams]... I like a lot! But one day it will be over, right?"
