Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his desire to stay at the club beyond the current campaign.
Speculation has mounted this week that the Spanish coach could be set for a sensational return to Barcelona.
This followed Barcelona’s presidential candidate Victor Font stating that he wants Guardiola to take charge of the Catalan giants once more. However, Guardiola claims that he is still committed to his current project.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s trip to Sheffield United, as detailed by the Manchester Evening News, he said: “I’m incredibly happy here, delighted to be in Manchester and hopefully I can do a good job this season to stay longer.”
Guardiola’s successful reign
The 49-year-old is into the fifth season in charge of City. During that time, the club have won two Premier League titles, three League Cups and the FA Cup.
The side surrendered their domestic supremacy to Liverpool last season, though, and have made a stuttering start to the 2020/21 campaign. That has led to rumours that the hugely successful coach could look for a move elsewhere. For now, that does not seem to be the case.
Injury-hit start
The team have had their worst start to a season since 2014. This has not been helped by injuries to key players.
Guardiola had mixed news when giving an update on the fitness of four of his first-team squad. He confirmed that Nathan Ake, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero were moving in the right direction, but was less optimistic about Benjamin Mendy’s condition.
“Gabriel and Nathan are getting better, not Mendy. We will see, training this afternoon and how they feel.
“Sergio is progressing, not able to train but progressing,” he said.
Closing the gap
It seems that City may have to face the Blades without a recognised striker for Saturday lunchtime’s kick-off.
Guardiola’s side will be looking for just their third league win so far this season, as they aim to close the gap to the two Merseyside clubs. Everton and Liverpool are currently five points clear of City, having played a game more.
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