Stefan Borson: Man City have been ‘surprised’ by Pep Guardiola’s exit stance
Pep Guardiola has already remained at Manchester City longer than many expected as he closes in on a decade at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City beat Liverpool 3-0 last time out, firing them up to second in the Premier League table and four points behind Arsenal.
However, that hasn’t prevented speculation emerging around Guardiola’s future again.
The Times reported on 11 November people with knowledge of the situation have admitted an exit at the culmination of the Catalan manager’s 10th season, which is next summer, could be on the cards.
Guardiola agreed a contract extension at Man City in November 2024, with his deal expiring in June 2027.
Pep Guardiola is ‘coming to the end’ at Man City
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Etihad chiefs have been “surprised” by Guardiola’s stance in recent years, with many close to him in the dark over whether or not he would stay.
The 54-year-old joined the Manchester giants in 2016 and has since gone on to claim 18 trophies.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I mean, we must be coming to the end of his tenure.
“But likewise, I think if the club looked like it was going in the right direction with his new team, which it is largely a new team, and the spine of it is young, likewise, you could also see a scenario, particularly if they didn’t win big things this season, you could see a scenario where he stays even beyond the extension that he’s given.
“I would say there must be something in it because I think The Times and the particular journalist that wrote that piece wouldn’t just pluck it out of thin air. I think it just doesn’t work that way. Maybe some journalists would but not this particular one, so there must be something behind it.”
Guardiola failed to win a trophy at Man City last season for just the second time since joining the club.
Guardiola has made Man City exit U-turns
Borson revealed there have been a lot of U-turns from Guardiola over whether or not he would be leaving the Etihad.
“City have been surprised all the way along,” said Borson.
“I think there’s been a lot of U-turns, with a lot of people close to him not even knowing what he was going to do.
“I wouldn’t read too much into it, but I don’t think it’s nothing. I think the chances would increase if he was to be very successful this season on the pitch.”
Man City are now preparing to face Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday (22 November).
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