Pep Guardiola reveals “weird” circumstances that could lead to Manchester City exit decision | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed he could simply wake up one morning with a desire to leave the Etihad Stadium.

The Catalan coach has been the subject of speculation in recent days, following reports that City have begun internal contingency planning should Guardiola decide to step away before the end of his current contract.

Despite repeatedly stressing that he remains happy in his role, the discussion around succession has intensified. That backdrop was heightened by a report in The Athletic, detailing City’s belief that Guardiola’s long-term future will become clearer closer to the end of the campaign.

While no firm decision has been made, senior figures at the club are exploring possible scenarios to ensure continuity, as such reports coincide with Guardiola’s own public insistence that feelings, rather than timelines, will ultimately dictate his future.

Having previously stated he wants to stay and remains energised by the squad at his disposal, Pep Guardiola has nevertheless acknowledged that unpredictability is part of his nature.

Speaking during a recent media conference, the Catalan tactician faced a barrage of questions surrounding his City future amid recent reporting, including whether the train of stories ‘bothers’ him.

“No. I know my business. I know my business perfectly, what I am, the position, and always it’s there. But I come here in the press conference every three days, and you can ask me, and the answer is always the same,” said Guardiola.

“Last season was a really, really tough season and I didn’t give up and I was there. And this season is much better in terms of many things I see and still I’m here. It depends on my feelings. My feeling right now is good. That’s why I want to continue,” he continued.

“It’s going to change? Maybe. I don’t know. But what I’m feeling now is not, with these players I’m going to continue as much, as long as possible.”

Guardiola was then asked whether he had asked sporting director Hugo Viana directly over text as to whether Manchester City were aiming to replace him in the coming months, to which he said, “I don’t have to text Hugo, I see him every day; we take a coffee every day.

“So, now maybe he will be busy in the next transfer window in January, but I see him every day.

“But I said, the club has to be prepared, but it has been prepared in the past with Txiki [Begiristain] because I’m a weird guy, weird guy, and maybe I wake up in the morning and I’ll say, ‘I’m leaving. Ciao, ciao’. So they have to be prepared, but it’s not the case.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments once again strike a balance between reassurance and realism. While he has reiterated his desire to remain at City and his satisfaction with the current squad, he has also made clear that the club is right to plan ahead.

Manchester City’s succession discussions – which have previously seen names such as Enzo Maresca mentioned – appear aligned with Guardiola’s own acceptance that no manager stays forever.

For now, however, the emphasis remains firmly on the present, with Guardiola continuing to drive standards on the pitch. As the season progresses and key decisions loom, Guardiola’s future is likely to remain a dominant talking point. Yet, based on his latest remarks, any exit would be driven by instinct rather than pressure.