Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has said that he "would love to stay" at the Etihad Stadium beyond the end of the 2024-25 campaign but stressed that a decision on his future involves a number of factors.
Guardiola is the most successful manager in Man City's history, leading the team to 17 trophies during his time at the helm, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
Man City fell short in both the Champions League and FA Cup last term, but they finished at the top of the Premier League table for the fourth season in a row.
Guardiola's contract with the Citizens is due to expire at the end of next season, and there have been suggestions that the upcoming campaign could be his last in Manchester.
However, the 53-year-old has opened the door to extending his time at the Etihad Stadium, providing that it works for both parties.
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Guardiola's current Man City deal expires in June 2025
"I did not rule it out to extend the contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay," he told reporters at a press conference, with Man City currently in the United States on a pre-season tour.
"Nine years in the same club today is an eternity. So I want to be sure that it's the right decision, not just for me but the club and the players - they run like they did for eight years.
"It doesn't matter the competition, the tournament, this is what I have to see. I am sure eight more years I won't stay! It's good to refresh, for players and managers.
"At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now."
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Guardiola confident ahead of upcoming season
Guardiola also said that he is expecting another successful campaign for Man City, with the manager confident that the players "will not disappoint us".
"We are talking when we are together about our aims. But knowing the players I think they will not disappoint us. They will continue to do what they do. I know we are the rivals to be beaten. When you see seven years and six Premier Leagues, everyone wants to beat us," he added.
"We will do what we do. We see it's a long competition - we try to do what we want to do. We want to defend our crown properly. We won a lot in the last years - we will see how they come back. I will see some gestures, body language and we will see. Right now, I don't know."
Man City lost 4-3 to Celtic in their pre-season opener on July 23; the Citizens will now tackle AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea before heading back to England.
The reigning English champions will then face Manchester United in the Community Shield on August 10 before beginning their new league season away to Chelsea on August 18.
Matt Law
