Revealed: The 'powerful reason' why Pep Guardiola extended Man City contract amid crisis of 'anxiety and frustration'

Guardiola was on a four-match losing run - the worst statistical streak of his managerial career - when his contract extension was announced. Rather than jumping from a potentially sinking ship, the 53-year-old committed to not one but two more years at the Etihad.

City's winless run is now up to six matches following the harrowing defeat to Tottenham and startling collapse against Feyenoord. But Guardiola will be as motivated as ever to turn things around, with City's form playing a part in his decision to extend. According to the Telegraph, the Catalan always intended to leave City in a strong position for his successor, but the club's current run has highlighted the need for a squad rebuild that will take at least two more years to finish.

Like Sir Alex Ferguson choosing to stay on at Manchester United for one more season after watching City win the title in 2012, Guardiola knows now is not the time to leave. And the squad overhaul will now commence in January rather than in the summer. Guardiola is keen to bring in a central midfielder to replace the injured Rodri, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta's Ederson among the targets.

City will try to put things right when they take on league leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. A City win will reduce the gap at the top of the table to five points, but a loss would leave them trailing the Reds by 11 instead.