Pep Guardiola says he will hold talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak before confirming whether he will step down as Manchester City manager this summer.
City’s Premier League title hopes officially ended on Tuesday night after a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium confirmed Arsenal as champions.
With only one league game remaining, Guardiola is expected to speak with senior figures at the club before making any announcement on his future.
“The first person I have to talk to is my chairman,” Guardiola said.
“I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, with my players, with my staff because when we play for the FA Cup, qualification for the Champions League, the Premier League it’s just one thing in my mind and focus: Try to bring the team to the highest point. And it’s what we have done.”
City Braced for Guardiola Exit
Reports have suggested Manchester City are increasingly expecting Guardiola to leave at the end of the campaign.
The 55-year-old remains under contract until 2027, although his deal reportedly includes a break clause that would allow him to depart this summer.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is understood to be City’s preferred candidate to replace Guardiola if he decides to walk away from the Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva, who has already confirmed he intends to leave City this summer, admitted he remains unsure about Guardiola’s plans.
“I honestly don’t know about it,” Silva said.
“That’s his decision, that’s his announcement to make if he stays or if he goes. That’s not on me.”
End of an Era at the Etihad?
If Guardiola does leave, it would bring an end to one of the most successful managerial spells in Premier League history.
Since arriving at Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has guided the club to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles.
Despite missing out on the title this season, Guardiola has once again led City into the Champions League places and added another two domestic cups to his record before attention turns to his future.
