Pep Guardiola 'Decides Future' at Man City If Club Is Found Guilty of Financial Charges

According to reports, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is more likely to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium if the club faces severe punishment from the Premier League over their 115 financial charges.

City is gearing up for a significant showdown with the Premier League, which has charged the reigning champions with multiple breaches of financial rules, with a verdict expected before the end of 2024. Given the seriousness of the charges, speculation has arisen about the possibility of a substantial points deduction or even relegation, raising questions about Guardiola's future.

Guardiola's contract expires at the end of the current season, and he will have a major decision to make if the club receives a negative outcome. However, The Athletic reports that such a scenario might actually increase the likelihood of the former Barcelona coach staying on, as it would be a move made out of "defiance" and a desire to support a club "he has come to love" during challenging times.

The report indicates that Guardiola plans to make a "final decision" in the coming weeks, potentially marking a decade with City. Should he choose to leave next summer, he intends to give the club ample notice to facilitate a smooth transition, similar to how Jurgen Klopp handled his final season at Liverpool.

Guardiola recently addressed speculation regarding his future, acknowledging that "anything can happen" after being linked with the England managerial position before Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as coach.

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“Leaving City? It’s not true; I haven’t decided yet,” Guardiola told the Italian TV program Che tempo Che Fa. "And it’s not true that I will be the next England coach. If I had made a decision, I would say it… I don’t know either; anything can happen."

Amidst this uncertainty, reports have emerged suggesting that Manchester City is considering Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as a potential successor if Guardiola decides to depart.

Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has established himself as the club's most successful manager, securing six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and one Champions League, cementing his dominance in English football.