"I'm not going to talk" - Pep Guardiola remains coy on Man City future amidst contract concerns

The 53-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and is currently enjoying his ninth season in charge at the Etihad Stadium where he has celebrated winning a total of 18 trophies.

Since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016, Guardiola has transformed his Man City side into the dominant force of English football as they have won six of the last seven Premier League titles, as well as winning four EFL Cups, two FA Cups and three Community Shields.

The Citizens, who also won their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2022-23 under Guardiola, became the first club in English top-flight history to win four successive titles after finishing the previous campaign two points clear of rivals Arsenal in second.

Speculation over Guardiola's long-term future at Man City has been rife for some time, with his current contract at the Etihad due to expire in the summer of 2025.

'Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay'

Reports at the end of last season claims that Man City expect Guardiola to bid farewell when his current contract runs its course, while chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated in June that he has no doubts that "the right solution that works for Pep and works for us" will be found.

Guardiola, who has been linked with vacant England job, admitted over the summer that he "would love to stay" but stressed that a decision on his future involves a number of factors.

Amidst some concerns about Guardiola's contract situation and Man City's ongoing hearing into the 115 financial charges against them, Citizens supporters are desperate to see their manager commit his future to the club.

Ahead of Man City's Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday, Citizens supporters have raised over £1000 to create a banner that will read: 'Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay' in his native Catalan, and they plan to unveil it before the match in the South Stand at the Etihad.

Guardiola tight-lipped on Man City future

Guardiola was directly asked about the banner at his pre-match press conference on Friday, and said: "They have to bring me the bill I have to pay for the banner. I don't want to spend money for that reason.

"What can I say? Thank you so much, I fell in love since the first day I arrived here, let's see. When it's going to happen (with my future) it's going to happen."

Asked if he feels a duty to defend and promote his club amidst the Premier League charges against them, Guardiola said: "The best way to defend the club is winning games. We cannot misunderstand the reason I'm here.

"At the same time I'm the person who talks more through the media and sends message to fans or wherever. Of course I want to defend my club.

"I trust the owners, especially the chairman for the relationship, and CEO's and everyone working here for many years. I know them well, more than any of you.

"The best way to defend is do our job the best. Everyone working here has their responsibility. My responsibility is to hold my players hands and together win games.

"The rest, there are situations in eight, nine years there, some expected, some tough to deal. No complaints and do what you have to do. Of course, I'm part of this club, I love this club and always will be this way.

"Cannot be different for the way they treat me since day one. It's impossible, when you give something and they give me a lot. The rest is the consequences."

Guardiola was then asked directly if he has an answer for the fans about when he wishes to stay, and he replied: "I'm not going to talk about this subject. What is going to happen is going to happen."

While a final verdict on Man City's hearing is not expected to arrive until some stage in early 2025, it is understood that Guardiola's future could be decided before the end of this year.