Expert: Pep Guardiola now backed to make U-turn on quitting Manchester City
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 21 April 2026 12:00, UK Pep Guardiola could decide to remain at Manchester City until his contract expires as he aims to continue the success they have enjoyed this season.It had been suggested that the boss could walk away at the end of the season rather than seeing out his contract which is currently set to run until 2027.However, in the wake of their 2-1 win against Arsenal to put their title ambitions back on track, there is a growing belief he has been inspired to stick around.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Guardiola has been inspired by his new crop of players and believes they can mount another challenge next season.When his contract expires in 2027, it is considered extremely likely that Man City will look for a new manager, but they are unlikely to be forced into a move this summer. 👔 Man City Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the Etihad dugout with real-time updates on shortlist candidates and technical leadership strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Will Pep Guardiola leave Man City this summer?Football Insider revealed last month that Man City are resigned to Guardiola leaving at the end of the season as many within the club feel he could move on.However, City are now within three points of the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, have already lifted the Carabao Cup, and could win the FA Cup.Pep GuardiolaMan City RecordGames585Wins418Draws75Losses92Trophies6x Premier League, 1x Champions League, 1x Club World Cup, 2x FA Cup, 5x League Cup, 3x Community ShieldPep Guardiola’s record as Man City manager.A domestic treble in the season following a rare trophyless campaign could inspire Guardiola to stay, while the performances of his star players have inspired him.“I can definitely see Pep Guardiola staying for one more season,” Brown told Football Insider.“He’ll look at the team he’s got at his disposal at the moment, players like Haaland, Guehi, Cherki, and think they can go again next season.“It’s a new generation of Man City players with Bernardo Silva and maybe Rodri leaving, and I think that’s what inspired the suggestions Guardiola could go too.“He was having a few doubts and wasn’t sure about the direction the team was heading in.“But the new players are showing they still have that quality and winning drive, they could still win more trophies next season, and that will inspire Guardiola.“His contract is up next year anyway, so one more year where they can go for another Premier League, Champions League and end on a high, I think that’s what he’ll do.”Do Man City have a Guardiola replacement lined up?Amid uncertainty about whether Guardiola will remain at Man City beyond the end of the season, plans have been made behind the scenes to identify his replacement.The likes of Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique have been linked with the role, with the former having held discussions over a move before he left Chelsea.Credit: ImagoHowever, Football Insider revealed that Vincent Kompany is Man City’s top target to replace Guardiola as he remains highly thought of at the Etihad.The former City defender is currently in charge at Bayern Munich where he has led them to another Bundesliga title and the Champions League semi-final.His success at the Allianz Arena has caught City’s attention, and his connections with the club mean he is viewed as a leading candidate to become their next manager.
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