Guardiola: “I’m not going to do what Sir Alex Ferguson did”

The Manchester City coach was referring to his future on the bench of the ‘cityzens’

The continuity of Pep Guardiola at the helm of Manchester City beyond 2023 is unknown. The Catalan coach is not wasting time thinking about his future at the moment and likes to focus on whats up ahead, that is, the duel against Sporting Lisobon in the Champions League.

Still, Guardiola joked about his future. “I’m not going be like Sir Alex Ferguson, don’t worry,” he said with a laugh. “I still have a year and a half left on my contract, it’s a long time. There’s a good atmosphere, and that always helps,” he added.

Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United in November 1986. During his 26 years with Manchester United, he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. He was knighted in the 1999 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to the game.

On 1 February 2016, Manchester City signed Guardiola to a three-year contract for the start of the 2016–17 season. The 50-year-old has twice extended his contract since joining the Sky Blues, with his latest deal due to expire at the end of the 2022–23 campaign.

Guardiola’s tenure has been one of consistent success. He has won 10 trophies in his five full seasons and revolutionised the team’s playing style. He’s won the Premier League 4 times in 5 years. Manchester City lost their maiden Champions League final last year to Chelsea.