Pep Guardiola promises to stay at Manchester City even if relegated
Guardiola said he would support Manchester City even if they were relegated due to alleged breaches of financial rules, claiming “75 per cent” of rival clubs wanted to see them go down.
Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City until 2027.
The 53-year-old has committed his future to the club, although no decision is expected to be made. Manchester City face 115 Premier League charges Until early next year.
City deny any wrongdoing but sanctions in the event of a conviction could include hefty fines, points deductions or even relegation.
Guardiola said 12 months ago that he would coach a team in Serie A if necessary.
He reiterated this view ahead of Friday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
“I said this six months ago. You gave me an interview,” he said.
“I said it when all the clubs were accusing us of doing something wrong and people were saying ‘What will happen if we get relegated?’ “I’ll be here.
“I don’t know where they’ll put us, conference? (But) next year we’ll move up and get back to the Premier League.
“I knew it then and I feel it now.”
However, Guardiola said that he did not consider this issue when he decided to extend his stay. Repairing the damage of four consecutive defeats for the first time in his coaching career was more urgent.
“I read something about the situation and how you need to de-escalate immediately,” he added.
“Seventy-five per cent of clubs want it because I know what they do behind the scenes and things like that. But I’m not going to live with it, I endured four defeats and I have to do what I have to do. It’s both sides. Lawyer, I don’t think about that.”
