Pep Guardiola refuses to commit to Man City beyond the end of next season as club chiefs push for extension
PEP GUARDIOLA has refused to pledge his future to Manchester City beyond the one year left on his contract.
The Spaniard, 49, has inspired City to incredible heights in his four years in charge.
But he will not look beyond the end of next season — and has never stayed at any club longer than that in his managerial career.
City will do everything they can to keep Guardiola, who will revamp his squad over the coming months.
David Silva and Leroy Sane are leaving and there are decisions to be made on the likes of John Stones and Joao Cancelo. But the most crucial factor is their appeal over a two-year ban from Europe, due next month.
Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva will consider moving if the Court of Arbitration for Sport does not overturn Uefa’s ruling.
Pep Guardiola’s men step up their bid to retain the FA Cup when they face Newcastle in this evening’s quarter-final.
De Bruyne said: “I’ve no issues saying Liverpool were better this year.
“We know how hard it is to win the league and to repeat it. And you need to be constantly really good, and the last few years that you almost have to be perfect. And they were. And we were not.
“The focus of the teams winning the league has been really high and I think Liverpool found a way to win the game.
“I think maybe last year they played better but this year they found a way to win every game. We’ve got a lot to play for this season and our main focus is trying to do well in the FA Cup and the Champions League. And you never know, if we can have both these, that would be another unbelievable season for us.”
Looking ahead to tonight, KDB added: “It’s always tough to play at Newcastle.
“They have a good structure, they have some good forward players, so they are really dangerous on the break.<
“But it’s a cup game, it’s all or nothing, so we are going to try to win the game.”