MX23RW : Friday, April 26 16:00:23| >> :60:476:476:

Pep Guardiola denies exit clause in Manchester City contract

The Spaniard's deal expires in 2021, but reports had suggested that the deal included an option allowing Pep Guardiola to depart 12 months early.

Pep Guardiola has denied he has a break clause in his contract at Manchester City.

The City manager's future continues to be the subject of speculation and the latest claims have suggested the Spaniard has a potential way out at the end of this season, should he want to leave.

But Guardiola has repeatedly stated his intention to fulfil his contract, which expires in 2021, and has even suggested could stay beyond that.

Guardiola is keen to remain at City until at least the end of his current contract
Guardiola is keen to remain at City until at least the end of his current contract (Martin Rickett/PA)

Asked if the break clause exists, Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday: "No, it is not true. I spoke about that a few weeks ago, about my intentions with the club."

Guardiola has won two Premier League titles since taking over at City in the summer of 2016.

Speculation over his future is fuelled by this season's form and an examination of his past managerial postings.

Champions City have fallen 14 points behind leaders Liverpool in his fourth season at the club.Β The 48-year-old left Barcelona after four years in charge to take a year off and then left Bayern Munich after three seasons.

Speaking last month, Guardiola said: "I want to stay, I don't have any reasons to move.

"I am incredibly satisfied to work with this club, with these players, and if the people think I am going to resign for these results and being nine points behind, the people do not know me.

"I like to have this challenge, I love to be in this position. If the club wants (me) next season I want to be here 100 per cent.

"I want to live in this city because I know lovely people here and I want to work and live with them and I want to be here."

Manchester City sit 14 points off Premier League leaders Liverpool
Manchester City sit 14 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool (Martin Rickett/PA)

The latest reports came on the day Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp extended his contract at Anfield until 2024.

Guardiola said: "Congratulations to him and Liverpool for extending for five more years here in England. He deserves it."

It has also emerged that the City squad did not attend the club's staff Christmas party in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening. This came after a recent revelation that Guardiola was unhappy with the conduct of some players following last year's event.

Coming the day after a Champions League game in Zagreb and with a trip to Arsenal on Sunday, a decision was taken not to attend this time.

Guardiola said: "We played Wednesday and we got late back to Manchester, and for regeneration people were tired. We have a game in two or three days. Myself and the players preferred to be at home with the families."

City will hope to get back to winning ways in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium after last week's damaging derby loss to Manchester United.

Sergio Aguero and John Stones are again sidelined and David Silva is also doubtful after a blow to the leg against United last week.

ID:382811: cacheID:382811:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8353:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal's Sokratis Papastathopoulos reacts after his goal is disallowed following a VAR review on October 27, 2019
Read Next:
Sokratis challenges Arsenal to "explode" into life against Manchester City
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!