Pep Guardiola appears to be keeping everybody guessing as to whether this will be his last week in charge of Manchester City.
Only the 55-year-old knows for sure if he will leave after the remaining two games of the Premier League season or see out the remaining year on his contract until 2027.
The widespread feeling and discussion in football currently is that Guardiola is expected to go, and Enzo Maresca is his likely replacement.
Guardiola’s City beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup on Saturday
But this has not been confirmed by sources at City nor others close to him, and Guardiola has repeatedly insisted he is happy at the club.
Also, as far as City are concerned, the Catalan remains their manager and their focus is fully on the two crucial final games in the Premier League title race.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola was asked if it was his last visit to Wembley, and he replied by saying he has one more year on his contract as he left the press conference
Ahead of their FA Cup final triumph, a 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, Sky Sports News reported that two of his most trusted coaches will be leaving this summer, intensifying the doubt over Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad.
However, before the game, Guardiola was keen to stress to all who asked that he still has one year left on his contract. Following the victory, though, Guardiola spoke glowingly of his team, implying a longer-term involvement in their development.
“The future is bright,” he said.
“I know the guys, I know how they feel, the commitment to the club, very professional. I’m pretty sure we’ll be there in the next years.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp debate whether this will be Pep Guardiola’s last season at Manchester City
City hope to take the title race into the final day of the season by beating Bournemouth on Tuesday night, 24 hours after Arsenal face Burnley on Monday Night Football.
It is a decisive week; not only for the destination of the trophy, but also the future of Guardiola and the identity of the City head coach heading into next season.
