Pep Guardiola stated that he plans to discuss his future with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak before officially announcing any decision regarding his possible departure as manager of Manchester City this summer.
City’s quest for the title came to an end on Tuesday night following a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, which confirmed Arsenal as league champions.
With City now four points adrift of Arsenal and only one game remaining in the season, Guardiola plans to talk to Khaldoon before their final match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
“The first person I need to speak with is my chairman,” Guardiola said.
“I won’t share any decisions here because I need to discuss my future with my chairman, my players, and my staff. Right now, my focus is on the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League; that’s my only priority.”
Sources have informed ESPN that the club is preparing for the possibility of losing Guardiola this summer.
Although the 55-year-old has a contract that runs until 2027, a break clause allows him the option to exit before its conclusion.
Reports indicate that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a leading candidate to succeed Guardiola.
When asked about Guardiola’s future following the draw with Bournemouth, Bernardo Silva admitted he was uncertain.
“Honestly, I don’t have any information,” Silva said, adding that he has already confirmed plans to leave City this summer. “It’s his choice to make regarding whether he stays or goes, and that’s not for me to decide.”
If Guardiola decides to leave before his contract ends, it will conclude a decade-long tenure at the Etihad, during which he won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles.