Pep Guardiola has suggested that the thumping his Manchester City side got against Sporting helped motivate him to sign a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's new deal runs until June 2026 and includes the option of a further 12 months, taking him past a decade in charge of the Blues. The announcement comes amid a torrid run of form for the reigning Premier League champions, who went into the international break off the back of four consecutive defeats - a first for Guardiola as a manager.
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim are rivals across the Manchester divide
Since the home win over Southampton just under a month ago, City have been turned over by Tottenham, Bournemouth, Sporting and Brighton.
The Sporting defeat was particularly painful, with the Portuguese side, who were still managed by new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim at the time, streaking clear in the second half to win 4-1.
Guardiola has admitted that the humbling he got at the hands of his new local rival, along with the three other defeats in City's nightmare run, gave him the push he needed to sign on the dotted line.
"I felt I could not leave now, simple as that," explained the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach. "Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why I felt I cannot leave."
City are five points behind Liverpool in their hunt for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, and only 10th in the Champions League standings after a rocky start in Europe. The circumstances are tricky for Guardiola, who has been battling rampant injury issues in recent weeks and will be without newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner Rodri for the whole 2023/24 season.
But the 53-year-old is hopeful of masterminding a turnaround. "As long as we have good players we will be successful and I think the club is targeting this," he said. "Sometimes you have to move players, bring new ones, and as long as you have a good mentality and these standards, the club will be in the position that it deserves to be.
"Every time I sign the contract I say, 'Ok this is the last two [years]', and after I sign [another] contract I say, 'Ok, the last two', and still we are here."
The first of a jam-packed eight-game run for City starts at home to Tottenham on Saturday, before a meeting with Feyenoord in the Champions League and a mouth-watering showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed a new one-year contract to remain at the Etihad Stadium. The deal will include an option for the Spaniard to stay at the club for an additional 12 months, an extension that would keep him in Manchester until the summer of 2027.Guardiola was appointed City boss in 2016 and has led the club to six Premier League titles, as well as Champions Le...
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed that Frimpong is a "brilliant player" who would be "an ideal signing for them."The Premier League giants are looking to sign a new right-back as the club has a contingency plan in place for that position as Kyle Walker begins to come towards the final years of his career.City will...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
- 1 Roy Keane forced to watch daughter's beau net on his England debut
- 2 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 3 Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump
- 4 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 5 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 6 Liverpool and Man Utd eye Pulisic
- 7 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 8 Daily Laugh - Oliver Aiku, who praises Van Dijk
- 9 Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model
- 10 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number