Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City means “so much” to him after signing a two-year contract extension.
The Catalan, who moved to the Etihad in 2016, has overseen an unprecedented period of success, leading City to 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first Champions League crown.
The journey continues 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8aluupvQw9
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 21, 2024
He said: “Manchester City means so much to me.
“This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club.
“That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, the Chairman Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], Ferran [Soriano], Txiki [Begiristain], the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.”
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Focus on winning more trophies
Guardiola has regularly said City give him everything he needs to succeed and that was again a point he wished to emphasise, adding: “I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much.
“Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”
News Guardiola had agreed to stay had been leaked in recent days but the fact he has signed a two-year deal – 12 months was expected – is something of a surprise and represents a major coup for chairman Al Mubarak.
He said: “Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City will continue; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game.
“His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our Club, and the English game at large.
“This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.”
Legend. pic.twitter.com/gyiEZ9V3jJ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 21, 2024
Remarkable statistics
Guardiola also enjoyed huge success with Barcelona, with whom he had a distinguished playing career, and Bayern Munich before moving to City over eight years ago.
His record in Manchester is remarkable.
In all competitions, he has won 353 of 490 matches, a win percentage of 72 while his teams have also averaged 2.45 goals per game over that period.
Assuming he completes his two years in charge, he will likely surpass Les McDowall at the top of the list of most City games managed.
He is also likely to need a squad rebuild with several of his key players – including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker – all the wrong side of 30 years of age.
