'It's good to refresh' - Pep Guardiola raises more questions over his Man City future after U-turn hint on possible exit

The City manager suggested earlier in May that the upcoming season might be his last, stating he was “closer to leaving than staying.” However, during the pre-season tour in the United States, Guardiola hinted at a potential contract extension, indicating he has not yet made a definitive decision.

“When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that,” Guardiola remarked before a friendly match against Milan at New York’s Yankee Stadium. “We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay.”

Guardiola sought to clarify his previous statements made after securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title for Manchester City. He explained that his comments about being “closer to leaving than staying” were a reflection on his eight-year tenure at the club, not an immediate plan to depart. “[I was] saying that I [had] been eight years in Man City. So I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving!”

Since joining City in 2016, he has secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the club’s first Champions League trophy. “I want to be sure it’s the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players,” Guardiola emphasised.

Nonetheless, he remains confident in his players' dedication and effort, noting their continued hard work and competitive spirit that makes them one of the favourites for the Premier League and the Champions League in the next season as well.

“Still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the tournament,” he stated.

"It’s good to refresh, for players and managers," he added. "At the same time, we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now.”

Manchester City have already qualified for the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup next summer, which will be hosted in the United States. When he was about the possibility of returning with the squad next season for the global showpiece event, Guardiola affirmed: "I would love to."

City commenced their US tour with a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. The team is scheduled to face AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea in their next pre-season matches in the US before returning to the UK. Their first competitive fixture of the season will be the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley on August 10.