Pep Guardiola gives reason to be relaxed over Man City contract decision

Pep Guardiola does not see the clock ticking down on his Manchester City contract.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach is into his sixth year at the Etihad and should also complete a seventh, but is yet to make a decision on his plans for the 2023/24 season.

The club and its supporters would be thrilled to see a man that has brought so much success and so many memories continue for as long as he feels able, but Blues bosses also need to plan for life without Guardiola.

However, while clubs are reluctant to let players enter the final year of their contracts because it lowers their value it can be different for managers; neighbours United gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a new deal as he approached the final 12 months of his deal and then sacked him five months into his new contract after performances and results nosedived.

City don't expect such a decline, but their current manager is still well aware that jobs can be lost very quickly in his industry.

"It is as good as this because we won a lot and are winning a lot, that is why it is good," he said. "Otherwise I would not be here in front of you after six seasons. That is for sure.

"I came because many persons I met convinced me and I stayed here. After one, two, three, four, five years it depends on the results. The results were good, we are comfortable, all of us, the club and myself and that is why we continue.

"Still I have one and a half years contract, it is a lot of time in world football. We see how managers were sacked this season, not just in England but everywhere. That is why I am just thinking about the next game, the next period. One year and a half is a lot of time in world football."

Guardiola was into the final eight months of his last deal