Pep Guardiola promises future decision 'as soon as possible' but insists Man City have 'options' in mind to replace him

City are waiting to see if Guardiola wants to extend his stay at the Etihad or move on when his contract expires next summer. The Spaniard addressed speculation over his future, while giving little away, but said a club does change over time; just as Hugo Viana was announced as the successor to outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain. He also thinks City will be able to find a good replacement for him if he does head for pastures new.

He told reporters: "I'm pretty sure that the club have an option when Txiki leaves and they have options when Pep leaves. Sooner or later it is going to happen and they have options. It will not be a surprise. If I'm not convinced it is the best of the club. I will not delay an action if I feel it is a problem for the club. I will take a decision as soon as possible but I don't have that feeling. That's why the priority is Wolves. Of course if they ask me [who the next manager should be] I will give my opinion but it is not my job. The decision belongs to the club. I would say the new sporting director, the moment I'm not here any more he has to choose."

Guardiola has brought City unprecedented success since becoming manager in 2016. A Champions League triumph and a hatful of Premier League titles and domestic cups have enhanced his reputation further, but it may all come to an end in 2025. An intriguing season lies ahead for City - partly due to their legal battle against the Premier League - and the ex-Barcelona boss.

After City take on Wolves at Molineux on Sunday, Guardiola's team return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they host Sparta Prague. They round off October with games against Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively.