In recent days, reports have surfaced that manager Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Manager Josep Guardiola has made his first comments following rumors that he will leave Manchester City at the end of this season. Earlier this week, reports emerged that Guardiola would step down as City manager at the end of the campaign.
Guardiola has already guided City to two big titles this season, defeating Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup and most recently helping Chelsea win the FA Cup.
City face Bournemouth in the Premier League this evening in a match that could decide the title race, with all eyes on the result after Arsenal’s win over Burnley on Monday night.
Sky Sports reports that City did not allow questions about Guardiola’s future at the club before the match against Bournemouth.
read more: Josep Guardiola ‘plans £13.5m takeover’ as he looks towards new life after Manchester Cityread more: Furious Pep Guardiola summons Man City stars to late-night summit to confirm departure
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match at the Vitality Stadium, Guardiola asked the City manager whether speculation had affected him.
“It’s very unfair to talk about last night’s events and newspapers now, ahead of this important game,” the Sky reporter said. “That’s after the game.
“Can I just ask, has that had any impact on you personally or your preparation for this really big game?”
Manager Guardiola gave a frank answer to this. “Zero, absolutely zero,” he said.
Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave Man City at the end of the season (Image: Catherine Ivill/AMA)
Follow Man City FB page! Follow the Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page
There are also reports that former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca could replace Guardiola at the Etihad this summer.
Guardiola’s latest update comes a day after it was reported that the City manager was unhappy with rumors of a possible departure, which surfaced on the eve of a crucial game.
A source told The Sun: “Pep is furious right before the game.
“He called the players into a late-night group call and confirmed his departure. He apologized for the way he broke the news. He was surprised.”
“The players were informed on Saturday that he would not be playing so everyone is in a state of shock.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
