Guardiola says he will discuss his future with Manchester City chairman

LONDON: Pep Guardiola said he will speak with Manchester City’s leadership about his future after a 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth ended the club’s chances of winning the Premier League.

The result at the Vitality Stadium confirmed Arsenal as champions of England for the first time in 22 years. City are four points behind their rivals with one league match left and can no longer overtake them.

Speculation over Guardiola’s position intensified after widespread reports on Monday said the City manager would step down following Sunday’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa. The club had not publicly responded to that speculation.

Guardiola avoids firm answer

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Guardiola did not give a direct answer on whether he would remain in charge, saying he would first hold talks with the club hierarchy. He noted that he still has one year left on his contract.

Allow me to talk with my chairman.

I have one more year (of my) contract.

When I finish the season every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.

Guardiola also explained why he did not want to make any announcement before speaking internally at the club.

I have from my experience when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving -- the players don't follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.

He was asked again about the matter in his post-match press conference, but instead of offering further clarity, he turned his attention to Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, who previously worked as his assistant at City.

Title race over after Bournemouth draw

City’s draw meant the title race was settled before the final day. Guardiola said his side had been affected by fatigue, coming only three days after their FA Cup final win over Chelsea, which completed a domestic cup double.

I would have loved to have arrived in the last moment, you know.. but today the fatigue was there.

The Bournemouth result closed off any remaining route for City to retain the league title, with Arsenal’s long wait for the championship now over.

Record at City and possible successor

If Guardiola does leave, it would mark the end of one of the most successful managerial spells in English football. Since taking charge in 2016, the 55-year-old has led Manchester City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Guardiola’s former assistant Enzo Maresca is understood to have been lined up as a possible replacement. Maresca has been out of work since leaving Chelsea earlier this year.

City will play Aston Villa in their final Premier League match on Sunday, with Guardiola saying he will discuss his future after the season ends.