Pep Guardiola ‘told to decide by Christmas’ over Man City future as speculation over England job continues

MAN CITY’s bigwigs want Pep Guardiola to make a decision about his future before Christmas.

Guardiola has hinted that his time at the Etihad Stadium may be nearing its conclusion, while rumours continue to swirl about the Spanish tactician taking over as England boss.

PA

Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City remains up in the air[/caption]

Guardiola admitted last week that, at present, “the motivation to win another Premier League is not there”.

The 53-year-old caveated his bold statement with the reassurance that he will rediscover that hunger for a fifth consecutive league title in the last month of the season.

But that attitude may just give fans a glimpse into the mind of Guardiola as he considers his future with Man City.

Guardiola has entered the final year of his current deal with the Manchester club and admitted last season that he is “closer to leaving than staying.”

Now Sky Sports have claimed that chiefs at Man City have handed the manager a deadline for his decision as they look to prepare for a possible exit.

It’s claimed that City’s execs want to know if Guardiola will be staying or leaving by Christmas – giving them plenty of time to find a suitable replacement for one of the game’s greatest ever managers.

However, the report suggests that even if Guardiola was to pen a new deal with City it would only “delay the inevitable” of his impending exit.

City will certainly be prepared either way as it’s been claimed the club are well aware that they are unable to hold on to Guardiola forever and have been monitoring replacement since as far back as 2019.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

The Cityzens might have a lot to deal with in the coming seasons if Guardiola is to call time on his tenure in the Etihad dugout, with their 115 charges from the Premier League also imminent.

For Guardiola it may be that a fresh start is the most attractive prospect with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss likely to have a lengthy list of potential suitors should he leave City.

Reports suggest one of those options could be the England national team as the FA continue their search for a permanent boss after handing Lee Carsley the role on an interim basis.

And when quizzed on taking over from Gareth Southgate in the nation’s hot-seat, Guardiola refused to rule out the possibility.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I have to decide what I want to do in my life.

“If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not – many things.”

During his eight-season reign at Man City Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League.

The mastermind got his ninth campaign off to a winning start at the weekend as his side beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Rex

City’s bigwigs have reportedly given Guardiola until Christmas to make a decision[/caption]

AFP

Man City beat Chelsea 2-0 to open their Premier League campaign[/caption]

Getty

England’s interim boss Lee Carsley was watching on at Stamford Bridge[/caption]