Will Pep Guardiola stay? Will Pep Guardiola leave? Those two questions are on the lips of Manchester City supporters who are desperate for clarity over the future of their legendary manager.
Speculation over the 53-year-old's long-term future at the Etihad Stadium has been rife for some time, with his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2025.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, Guardiola is currently enjoying his ninth season in charge of Man City, who have won a total of 18 trophies - including six Premier League titles - under the Catalan's tutelage.
For several months, Guardiola has remained coy on his future when speaking to the media, insisting that he is yet to make his mind up and is yet to make a final decision on whether he wishes to remain at Man City or seek pastures new at the end of the season.
Both options remain a possibility at this stage, although if reports are to be believed, Guardiola is leaning towards signing a short-term contract extension at Man City, as he likes the idea of completing at least 10 years at the Etihad.
It has also been suggested that Guardiola is 'more likely' to stay in charge of the Citizens if they are found guilty of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League.
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Is an announcement on Guardiola's Man City future close?
Guardiola's last two contract extensions at Man City were agreed in Abu Dhabi in the month of November, although the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has confirmed that he has no plans to travel to the Middle East this month.
That does not mean that Guardiola will not put pen to paper on a new contract in Manchester, and Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has discussed with Sports Mole senior reporter Oliver Thomas when an announcement could be made.
McInerney feel that Guardiola "deep down" knows if he wishes to stay or leave Man City, and believes that the club's current poor run of form - losing four in a row for the first time under Guardiola - 'will not affect' his final decision.
It has also been suggested by McInerney that Guardiola may consider holding talks with incoming director of football Hugo Viana - who will replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season - before committing to a decision on his future.
Uncertainty over Guardiola's future at Man City has only intensified rumours of the Catalan fulfilling his ambition of stepping into international management at some stage in his career.
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How likely is Guardiola to swap Man City for an international job amid Brazil, England links?
Guardiola was touted as a potential candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager, but the Three Lions have decided to appoint a different foreign manager in the form of Thomas Tuchel, who has penned an 18-month contract and will officially take charge from January 1, 2025.
Nevertheless, Guardiola's close friend and journalist Guillem Balague recently revealed that the Catalan coach would be open to managing England at the 2030 World Cup, and that becoming a reality would likely depend on whether Tuchel is successful at the previous World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are reported to have 'made a major play' to bring Guardiola on board and he has been called several times this year, with the Man City boss understood to like the idea of managing five-time world champions Brazil.
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation has since dismissed those reports, saying that they 'haven't made any kind of search' for Guardiola, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from linking the Citizens manager with 'arguably the most glamorous international job' in the eyes of McInerney.
Indeed, McInerney can "100%" envisage Guardiola taking on an international role when he eventually leaves Man City, but he would be "amazed" if he were to step into a new role before the 2026 World Cup with only a year or so to prepare for the tournament.
McInerney feels that the prospect of Guardiola coaching and England side filled with players he is familiar with would also appeal to him, while he has also mentioned two other nations - one that Guardiola may have an interest in managing and another that he would presumably not consider due to his "political" beliefs.
Press play on the video at the top of this article to hear the full discussion.
Oliver Thomas
