Pep on City exit, England job: Anything can happen

Pep Guardiola said he is yet to decide whether to continue at Manchester City beyond the end of the season.

The 53-year-old has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2025 and has repeatedly dodged questions on whether he will extend his deal.

His future has been thrown into further doubt after the club confirmed on Saturday that close friend and City director of football Txiki Begiristain will leave in the summer.

It’s prompted speculation that Guardiola has already decided to quit after the FIFA Club World Cup, but he insists he has not made up his mind.

“It’s not true, I have to reflect,” Guardiola said in an interview with Italian TV show Che tempo che fa.

Uncertainty over Guardiola’s future at City has also led to speculation he could take over as England manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The former Barcelona boss has said in the past that he’s keen to lead a national team at an international tournament.

He rejected the suggestion he’s already agreed to leave City and manage England. But he did leave the door open for an approach from the Football Association as they continue to look for Gareth Southgatte’s permanent replacement.

“It’s not true, I can promise you that had I made a decision on whether to stay or to leave [City], I would tell you,” he said. “I don’t even know. But anything can happen in life.”

City have moved quickly to avoid any unnecessary disruption following Begiristain’s decision to leave, announcing on Saturday that Sporting Lisbon’s Hugo Viana will take over in the summer.

Sources have told ESPN that the club are also keen for a smooth transition if Guardiola departs.

They expect a decision to be made between the November international break and the new year to allow adequate time for a new manager to be selected if necessary.