Tuesday, July 21, 2026

‘I’ll be here if we get relegated,’ Guardiola pledges loyalty to Man City amid alleged financial breaches

As City navigates this turbulent period, Guardiola’s steadfast loyalty and vision will be crucial in steering the club forward.

• November 22, 2024
Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City, stating he would remain at the club even if they faced relegation due to alleged financial rule breaches.

The Spanish manager, who has guided City to six Premier League titles in seven years, recently extended his contract until 2027.

“If we get relegated, I will be here,” Guardiola declared during a press conference on Friday ahead of City’s clash with Tottenham.

“If they send us to the Conference [fifth tier], we will come up and up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then, and I feel it now.”

Guardiola’s comments come as the Premier League continues investigating 115 financial misconduct charges against Manchester City. While the club strongly denies any wrongdoing, a guilty verdict could result in severe penalties, including a points deduction. A ruling is expected before the season concludes.

The contract extension is a significant boost for City, especially during a challenging period both on and off the pitch.

For the first time in Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career, his team has suffered four consecutive defeats. This streak includes losses to Bournemouth and Brighton in the Premier League, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, and Tottenham in the League Cup.

All four defeats came away from home, but Guardiola is optimistic about returning to form when City play at the Etihad Stadium, where they have not lost in open play in two years.

“We have to start winning games, we know it,” he said. “Hopefully, being back at home will help us find our rhythm.”

Despite the setbacks, Guardiola defended his team’s record, emphasising their historic achievement of becoming the first side to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

“When you are here for nine years, you live all scenarios and situations,” he remarked. “You’re able to lose four games in a row, but at the same time, you’re able to win four Premier Leagues in a row. Most teams can lose four games, but only one team has won four in a row.”

As City navigates this turbulent period, Guardiola’s steadfast loyalty and vision will be crucial in steering the club forward.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Politics

Gov Aiyedatiwa celebrates Akeredolu’s legacy on posthumous birthday

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has paid tribute to Rotimi Akeredolu on his 70th posthumous birthday.

Vehicles at the port

Economy

Vehicle duty reduction helpful not transformative: Stakeholders

Transport stakeholders say the federal government’s reduction in vehicle import duties has provided modest relief but is yet to transform the transport sector.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Economy

U.S. 50% tariff violates trade agreement, threatens Canada’s sovereignty: Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the U.S. 50 per cent trade tariff, saying it violates the free trade agreement between Canada, America, and Mexico.

Photo used to illustrate divorce

Hot news Home top

Husband pays ‘hired killer’ $1,720 advance to murder his wife, mother-in-law

The aggrieved husband wanted his wife killed because she planned to file for divorce.

Scoular Company

Anti-Corruption

Agricultural firm Scoular to pay over $10 million to resolve foreign bribery case

Scoular employees communicated about shipments and bribes. In total, Scoular authorised bribes of more than $400,000 and avoided fees and costs of more than $6.5 million.

FRSC

States

FRSC mobilises stakeholders against overloading in Sokoto

The zonal commanding officer in charge of Zone 10, Shaba Bariam-Akanbi, inaugurated the three-day exercise on Monday in Sokoto.