'I'm sorry now' – Pep Guardiola doubles down on Manchester City relegation
Pep Guardiola reminded those who doubt his commitment to the club by referring to their relegation claim six months ago.
The Spaniard has been the subject of much speculation over his future as City manager following the club's current legal disputes with the Premier League.
Guardiola put an end to all speculation on Thursday by signing a new two-year contractlinking up with the Premier League champions until 2027.
While it might have been a surprise move to many, Guardiola wanted 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 reinforced his previous statement and confirmed his commitment to City's cause.
“I said six months ago, when all the clubs accused us of having done something wrong, what would happen if we were relegated? I'll be here,” he said. city of manchester said the boss.
“Next year, if we are in the Conference, we will get to the Premier League. I knew it then, I feel it now.”
When asked about the length of his contract extension, Guardiola admitted he did not want a repeat of speculation over his future in 12 months' time and the deal was struck quickly.
He said: “I felt like I should stay here, of course because they love me. We've known 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 the next season to be in September, October or November. I don't want to say 'this is the end of Pep'.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager sent mixed signals last month after claiming that “a 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 form, appears to have convinced him to continue his adventure in Manchester.
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“Now I can't leave,” Guardiola said in an interview on the club's website when his new contract was announced. “Maybe the four losses were the reason I felt like I couldn't leave.
“I think we deserve, after four consecutive defeats, to recover and try to change the situation. I think we deserve to be here. I'm not arrogant when I say it, but it's the truth.”
Manchester City president Khaldoon Al Mubarak spoke of his happiness at securing the 53-year-old for two more years.
“Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep's journey with Manchester City continues; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game.
“Their hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of this will continue to be our players and coaching staff, our club culture and English football as a whole.
“This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade as Manchester City manager and he will have the opportunity to continue rewriting the managerial record books.”
