Tuesday evening, Pep Guardiola was expected by the English press. In addition to the loss of the English championship title after the draw against Bournemouth, the media especially wanted to know more about the future of the Catalan technician. Earlier in the week, several British publications unanimously announced that the coach would be leaving Manchester City after a decade on the bench. The journalists were therefore waiting for a reaction from him. It wasn’t necessarily what they were hoping for.
“I could say I still have a year left on my contract, and from the discussions I’ve had over many, many years, from my experience, announcing anything during the competition is always very, very bad. And as you understand, the first person I have to talk to is my president (Khaldoon Al Mubarak), because we both decided that at the end of the season, we are going to meet to talk. It’s that simple, and then we will make a decision…” Despite everything, the English press persists and assures that he will leave, he who will be replaced by Enzo Maresca.
Guardiola’s departure will change things
This will inevitably impact the players. Some could well take flight after Guardiola’s departure. Nothing would hold back a captain like Rodri, who has an extension offer on the table and who dreams of Real Madrid. The absence of Guardiola will weigh. This may also be the case for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian joined the Cityzens after his time at BVB after speaking with the Spanish technician. A coach he respects and admires. He had also extended his contract until 2034 a year and a half ago, in particular because of the confidence that Guardiola gave him.
Even if it wasn’t the only reason, it was a strong argument. Now, the 25-year-old Cyborg risks moving forward without him. A priori, there is no question of him leaving Manchester City this summer. His contract is long and he wants to remain insured Mundo Deportivo. On the other hand, it is not certain that it continues beyond that. MD explains that it is not unlikely that he will listen to offers within a year. The striker, who nevertheless feels good in England with his family, is waiting to see how things will develop this season according to the English press.
A future called into question?
Enzo Maresca and the Mancunian leaders will therefore have to be convincing to seduce Haaland. What is certain is that the future loss of Guardiola already weighs in the balance at City. MD points out that the stars who were untouchable in Manchester are no longer so today. In any case, Haaland is already planning for next season, he who sent a message after Arsenal’s title. “I feel like we could have done even better in the league, but it’s over now, so it’s easy to say. We won two trophies, that’s important, but we were also aiming for the championship title.»
He added: “At the end of the day, every Premier League game is difficult. We tried. It wasn’t enough. The whole club must use it as motivation. We must be angry, we must have the rage to win because it is not up to par. It’s been two years now (that the PL has escaped them, editor’s note), I have the impression that it’s an eternity. We will do everything to win the championship, everyone who will be there next season. Unless there is a surprise, Haaland will be part of it. Nothing is less certain for the following season.
