Stefan Borson drops Pep Guardiola exit verdict as Man City ‘concern’ emerges
Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at Manchester City is once again in question following the latest reports around his position.
Man City beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday (20 December) to remain within two points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
However, there have been suggestions Guardiola could leave Man City at the end of this season, which is his 10th in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola is expected to have a say in his replacement when he eventually decides to bring his reign in Manchester to an end.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Thursday (18 December) there is a growing anticipation this could be Guardiola’s final season at Man City, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca high on the list of candidates to replace him.
Pep Guardiola has made Man City exit U-turn
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s difficult to know whether Guardiola will leave next summer, even if there is a “concern” at the Etihad.
Guardiola agreed a contract extension at Man City in November 2024, with his deal expiring in June 2027.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Well, when certain journalists say things, you tend to take notice of them. It’s hard to say whether it’s true or not.
“I think it’s hard to know with Pep whether he’s made a decision anyway, even if the concern is true within City, even if Pep said, ‘Well, perhaps this is the last season’.
“We’ve been there a number of times over the last 10 years, and at various times when it’s come to the crunch, he’s changed his mind.”
Guardiola joined Man City in 2016 and has since gone on to claim 18 trophies at the Etihad.
Man City form could be key to Guardiola’s future
Borson believes Guardiola’s future could depend on how his side perform on the pitch heading into the second half of the season.
“Personally, I think if they were to win either or both of the big trophies, that would feel like a good time to leave,” said Borson.
“I just think there’s a logic to that. That’s been the case in the past with other managers. But I don’t think there’s any particular guarantee that this is the end of Guardiola.
“I think he also goes through periods of seasons where it becomes tiring and stressful, and there are times of the season where he becomes revitalised. You have to sort of just see how that looks as we go through the season.”
Man City’s next fixture sees them take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday (27 December).
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