Pep Guardiola has spoken out about his future at Manchester City following the club's failure to retain the Premier League title, insisting that no final decision has been reached despite widespread speculation that he will depart at the end of the season.
The City manager saw his team draw 1-1 with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, a result that confirmed Arsenal as champions with one game remaining. Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Guardiola is planning to leave the Etihad after a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca tipped as his potential successor.
Addressing the media after the match, Guardiola stated: '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.'
He emphasised that any decision would be made jointly with the club's chairman: '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.'
Guardiola 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.'
When asked about his motivation to continue winning trophies with City, he replied: 'I'm the happiest man on the planet to be at this club. This club is extraordinary.'
However, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards suggested that Guardiola's comments indicate he is on his way out. 'You can see in his demeanour he's leaving,' Richards said. '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.'
In his post-match press conference, Guardiola also reflected on his team's performance at Bournemouth, attributing their struggles to travel fatigue after 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.
'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.'
He concluded: '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.'
