Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out signing a contract extension at Man City as he enters the final year of his current deal… and reveals he has ‘spoken to the club’ about his future

Pep Guardiola begins a ninth season at Manchester City with his future uncertain after revealing all options remain on the table.

The City manager’s contract expires next summer and Mail Sport reported in May that key figures at the Etihad Stadium expected this campaign to be the Catalan’s last.

Guardiola was frank in admitting he could still stay or leave after conversations with the club hierarchy over the summer.

“We spoke with the club and we said it would take many years, so we will see what happens, but I do not absolutely rule out extending the contract,” Guardiola said.

“When I said I would like to stay, it’s because I would like to stay. That’s why I don’t want to deny my feelings, I want to see my players. Nine years today in the same club, it’s an eternity.

Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out the possibility of extending his contract with Manchester City

The Spaniard is entering the final year of his current contract with the Premier League champions.

“I want to make sure it’s the right decision, not only for me but for the club, the right decision for the players, if they run like they’ve run for eight years, no matter the competition, the tournament, and that’s what I have to see and that’s it.

“I wouldn’t want to make a decision that might cause problems in the way I do things. What happens is that we’re going to discuss. I don’t know what’s best.”

“What I’m saying is that at the beginning of the season we’ll see how everything goes, how connected we are all again and then we’ll see.”

Guardiola has confirmed that whatever the contract situation, he wants to lead City at the Club World Cup in America next June.

“I would love to. I would love to. I don’t know if it’s going to happen because I know the mess around FIFA and the clubs or whatever, because everyone is defending their position, but if in the end it has to happen, I would love to.”

Questions remain over the future of Ederson, who is with City in New York for the second leg of his US tour.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has been linked with a summer move to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have failed to meet City’s valuation of their No1, which is around £50m.

“I wish from the bottom of my heart that Eddie continues with us, replacing Eddie is so difficult,” Guardiola said.

“It depends on him but I would like him to stay because I can’t imagine our process, our success in recent years without him. He is an important figure in the dressing room with his presence and many things.”

“I hope it will be a good sign for us. If someone leaves, maybe, but if no one leaves, I think we will stay as we are.”