Pep Guardiola says Man City have ‘strategy’ in place if he leaves

Pep Guardiola is confident that Manchester City will be in safe hands when the time comes for him to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola, who has guided City to four Premier League titles, four League Cups and the FA Cup, will be out of contract in 2023 and his future at the club remains unresolved.

Asked what City’s future would look like if he did not sign a contract extension, Guardiola told reporters, “the club knows exactly what is the next step.”

“No one can see the problems (of the future) but I am 100 per cent convinced,” the Spaniard added, speaking ahead of City’s clash against rivals Manchester United.

“They know what the strategy is, what they have to do right now, tomorrow and for next season. When the club depends on one person we have a problem. If the club just depends on Pep it is because we have not done well.

“I never buy players, it is not my money. It is the club. The club is the most important word. Every decision we make is thinking about the club…”

City, who are second in the league standings, host sixth-placed United later on Sunday.

While the Manchester derby is undoubtedly one of the biggest games of any season, Guardiola is not concerned about pressure ahead of Sunday.

Having taken charge of City in 16 derbies to date, our boss knows what to expect from both sets of fans.

“My experience in derbies has always been so calm. You go to the stadium, Old Trafford or here, and the fans boo or say ‘Who are you?’ but the rest is a football game.

“I love it that way. We want the passion and the supporters of the team that win are going to laugh at the loser. That’s nice. It’s part of the game.”