Pep Guardiola has evaded inquiries about the possibility of leaving Manchester City at the end of the season as speculation regarding his future intensifies.
Sources have informed ESPN that Guardiola was planning to use the international break to contemplate whether he will fulfill his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which is set to expire in 2027.
While the official word from the club is that they anticipate Guardiola remaining next season, sources indicate that there wouldn’t be shock within the organization if the 55-year-old decides to step away in the summer.
During a press conference on Friday, when directly asked about his future, Guardiola remained tight-lipped about his intentions.
“I’ve discussed this plenty of times,” remarked the City manager, alluding to his remaining time on the contract.
Guardiola is focusing on guiding his players through the final stretch of the season, starting with an FA Cup quarterfinal match against Liverpool this Saturday.
As Liverpool heads to the Etihad, they have managed to win just two of their last six matches in all competitions and face a challenging Champions League outing against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
However, Guardiola has cautioned his players not to underestimate Arne Slot’s side.
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“They have always been our biggest rivals,” Guardiola stated.
“Their significant investment last season aims to ensure they remain competitive for years to come.
“They are formidable contenders with world-class players. I hope we can perform at the same level we did against Arsenal to advance in the competition.”
Guardiola faces the decision of whether to start Phil Foden against Liverpool, following a challenging international break with England.
While Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Foden’s recent struggles might jeopardize his World Cup spot, Guardiola has no reservations about the midfielder’s abilities.
“Not at all,” he asserted.
“He’s 25, 26, has won six Premier League titles, and his contributions have been remarkable. What he’s experiencing is a common phase in a lengthy career. It’s a natural situation, and I believe he will turn things around soon.”