Manchester City have reportedly been handed a major boost regarding the future of manager Pep Guardiola.
The 53-year-old is currently enjoying his ninth season at the Etihad Stadium where he has earned legendary status and has won a total of 18 trophies, transforming his Citizens side into the dominant force of English football.
Man City have won six of the last seven Premier League titles under Guardiola as well as winning four EFL Cups, two FA Cups and three Community Shields, while the Catalan coach led the club to Champions League glory for the first time in their history in 2022-23.
Guardiola is now facing an uncertain future on the blue side of Manchester, though, as he is due to see his contract expire in the summer of 2025.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss recently stated that he "still need to reflect and decide" whether he wishes to stay at the Etihad, admitting that "anything can happen in life".
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Guardiola to stay at Man City regardless of possible PL punishment?
Guardiola was allegedly sounded out by the Football Association over taking the England job, but the Three Lions has since confirmed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as their new head coach.
A recent report claims that Guardiola is now leaning towards extending his contract at Man City as he likes the idea of completing at least 10 years at the Etihad.
Man City have since received a further boost regarding Guardiola's future, as The Athletic reports that the Catalan would be more likely to extend his contract with the club if they are found guilty of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League.
The report suggests that Guardiola's decision to stay, even if Man City were to be severely punished, would be out of 'defiance' and a reluctance to leave a club 'he has come to love' having formed a strong bond with the club's supporters and hierarchy.
It has also been claimed that a final decision on Guardiola's future is 'expected' to be made in the coming weeks.
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What is the latest on Man City's Premier League legal battle?
In February 2023, Man City were charged by the Premier League with breaking 115 financial rules between 2009 and 2018 following a four-year investigation.
Man City have emphatically denied the charges against them and chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has demanded for the club to be "judged by the facts and not by claims and counterclaims".
The Citizens' hearing into their 115 charges - dubbed by some as 'the sport's trial of the century' - began on September 16 and is expected to run for around 10 weeks, with a final verdict not expected to arrive until some stage in early 2025.
Should Man City be found guilty of the breaches, they could face a potential range of sanctions including heavy fines, a points deduction or expulsion from multiple competitions, including the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Premier League allegedly postponed a key meeting with all 20 clubs - originally scheduled for last Thursday - that was intended to decide how to respond to the verdict in the legal battle with Man City over the league's Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules - a judgment separate to the 115 charges levelled at the club.
Oliver Thomas
