Pep Guardiola says he will stay at Manchester City even if they are punished with relegation, following the announcement that he had signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
Guardiola’s deal with City was due to run out at the end of this season but he has now signed a new contract which lasts until 2027.
But the threat of severe punishment still hangs over City, having been charged by the Premier League with alleged breaches of their financial rules.
Guardiola, however, says he is committed to the club even if they are punished.
“I said that six months ago (I will stay),” he said.
“If we get relegated, I will be here and next year we’re going to come up to the Premier League. I knew it then, I feel it now.”
Guardiola had been reported to have agreed a one-year extension before it was announced that it would be two years and asked about his decision, he said: “Mainly, I don’t want next season in September, October, November, to be ‘is this the last year of Pep? Will he extend again?’ That was the main reason, I don’t want to be in that position.
“In the end, the contract is there. I would like to stay two more years, but I know that if results are not good it won’t be two years.
“It’s the same with the players. We have some incredible, legendary players here but you have to perform. if you don’t perform, our owner, chairman and fans will say ‘what’s going on? We have to change’. Everyone is under pressure, with me the first.
“Maybe it’s a little bit arrogant but I think we deserve to continue, for what we have done in the last years. But at the same time, we have to do it again, we have to be up there. If we’re not, the club has to find a solution.”