Pep Guardiola has explained he made the call to sign a new contract at Manchester City after receiving reassurance from his family to prolong his stay in England - with his decision reportedly coming after his side's defeat to Liverpool this season.
The Catalan coach took charge of City during the summer of 2016 and has been involved in high-quality battles for Premier League titles with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp since his appointment.
Guardiola has agreed a new two-year contract to keep him at the helm of the Sky Blues until 2025, following the lead of Klopp who put pen to paper on a fresh deal lasting until 2026 back in April.
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Central to both of these outcomes were members of family of the two managers, with the Reds' boss admitting a conversation with his wife kick-started the idea of remaining at Anfield past 2024. Offering a similar story of how he came to further commit to City, Guardiola said: “There is a family part. This one [contract renewal] I involved my family more than ever because it has already been seven years [at the club] and will be nine years [at the end of the new contract]. It’s important to have the feeling they support me in those decisions.”
Adding context to this contract renewal, the Telegraph have reported the 51-year-old 'discussed the situation further with his family' during a mini break in Scotland days after losing to Liverpool last month.
One figure overjoyed the ex-Barcelona boss will be going nowhere for at least three years from now is City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who said: "I am delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City football club will continue. He has already contributed so much to the success and fabric of this organisation, and it’s exciting to think what might be possible given the energy, hunger and ambition that he clearly still has.
“Under his very special leadership our first team has accomplished so much, whilst continuously playing, and constantly evolving, a City style of football that is admired the world over. Like every City fan, I am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
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