'I feel it now' – Pep Guardiola doubles down on Man City relegation claim

11/22/2024 09:23 AM

Pep Guardiola reminded doubters of his commitment to the club by referencing his relegation claim of six months ago.

The Spaniard has been subject of much speculation over his future as City boss in the wake of the club's ongoing legal disputes with the Premier League.

Guardiola put an end to all guesswork on Thursday by signing a new two-year deal, tying himself to the Premier League champions until 2027.

Whilst it might have been a surprise move to many, Guardiola was keen to reinforce his words from earlier this year when he told reporters of his intention to remain at the club, even in the event of relegation.

During his press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Tottenham, Guardiola doubled down on his prior claim and confirmed his commitment to the City cause.

"I said six months ago, when all the clubs accused us to have done something wrong, what happened if we are relegated – I will be here," the Manchester City boss said.

“Next year, if we are in the Conference we will come up to the Premier League. I knew it then, I feel it now.”

Asked about the length of his contract extension, Guardiola admitted he did not want a repeat of the speculation surrounding his future again in 12 months time and that the deal was tied up in quick fashion.

He said: "I felt I should stay here, of course because they want me. We know each other for a long time. All my decisions in my life have been what I feel in the moment. In just two hours we did it.

"Mainly, I don’t want next season for in September, October, November I don’t want to be ‘this is the end of Pep.'"

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss sent mixed signals last month after claiming ‘part of me is leaving’ after sporting director Txiki Begiristain confirmed he was leaving the club.

But City’s persistence coupled with the club’s poor run of form appears to have convinced him to continue his adventure in Manchester.

“Now I cannot leave,” Guardiola said in an interview on the club’s website, as his new deal was announced. “Maybe the four defeats were the reason why I felt I cannot leave.

“I think we deserve, after four defeats in a row, to bounce back and try to turn the situation. I think we deserve to be here. I am not arrogant to say, but it’s the truth.”

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak spoke of his happiness at securing the 53-year-old for a further two years.

“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.

“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.”