Pep Guardiola speaks out on Man City future after losing title race

Pep Guardiola has not confirmed his expected Manchester City exit (Picture: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola insists no decision has been made about his Manchester City future, despite reports that he will depart at the end of this season.

City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday night which ended the Premier League title race, with Arsenal crowned champions with a game to play.

Reports emerged on Monday that Guardiola is planning to leave the club at the end of the campaign, bringing to an end 10 years at the Etihad.

Enzo Maresca has been reported as Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City, but the current boss suggests that a decision has not been finalised.

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Asked about his future after the draw at Bournemouth, the City boss told Sky Sports: ‘I can say I have one more year of my contract.

‘It’s the conversation we’ve had for many, many years, always from my experience when you announce whatever you announce during the competition it’s a bad, bad result.

‘So like you understand the first question I have to talk is my chairman. Because we both decide when we finish the season we will see and talk, it’s as simple as that and after we will take the decision.’

Junior Kroupi scored the opener for Bournemouth on Tuesday night (Picture: Getty Images)

He added: ‘I have a one year contract, if it’s different I will not tell you here because I have to talk with chairman, my players, my staff because when we play for the FA Cup, before qualification for Champions League, then for the Premier League, just one thing in my mind, it’s focussed on trying to bring the team to the highest point.’

Asked if he has motivation to win more trophies with Manchester City, Guardiola said: ‘I’m the happiest man on the planet to be at this club. This club is extraordinary.’

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards felt that despite Guardiola’s words, he is on the way out of the club.

Guardiola has won the FA Cup and League Cup this season (Picture: Getty Images)

‘You can see in his demeanour he’s leaving,’ said the former England full-back. ‘Just the way he was answering the questions.

‘When he wants to stay he would just say “I’m staying”. The fact he’s talking about having a conversation with the chairman says to me he’s leaving.

‘It’s a sad day for the Premier League and everyone connected with Manchester City because he’s been an absolute great.’

Guardiola added in his post-match press conference that his team were struggling at Bournemouth after travel for Saturday’s FA Cup final.

‘I would love to arrive in the last moment against Aston Villa. Today we missed that pace, situation that is required to play against Bournemouth. they are a really good side,’ he said.

Guardiola’s team was underwhelming at Bournemouth (Picture: Getty Images)

‘The travel to London from the Chelsea game meant it was not a really good final. Our calendar in this part of the season was really tough.

‘Let me talk to the chairman. I love the fans more. I love that place. Let me talk about my club. I was incredibly focused on my job.

‘Now is the moment with the chairman to talk. After that we will see what happens.

‘Next season, we will be back. City will be back. We will be competing to the end in the competitions.’

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