MANCHESTER, England (FN) — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he still has “unfinished business” at the club as he works to lead the team back to winning ways following a season without silverware.
Guardiola, now nine years into his tenure at City, acknowledged the club is in a rebuilding phase and impressed by improvements in performance. He joked he might consider pausing in 2035, though his current contract runs through 2027.
“For the first time since my debut season, City won no trophies last year as we finished third in the Premier League,” Guardiola said. After a slow start — two losses in the first three league games — City have since gone seven matches unbeaten in all competitions, minimizing the gap to league leaders Arsenal to three points.
“In 2035, I will start to think about it,” he said. “I see things we are doing much better than last season. In every game, we are a little bit better. There is margin for improvement — that gives me energy. It’s not job done. It’s completely unfinished business. That’s why I am here.”
Striker Erling Haaland has been central to City’s strong run, scoring 21 goals in 12 appearances between club and country. Guardiola admitted that maintaining such output is “impossible,” but stressed the importance of stepping up when form dips.
“Performance level, not just the goals — many things,” Guardiola added. “It’ll drop. It’s impossible to stay at the peak all the time, but I will be there. We will be there to support him. We have this passion to help the team and sustain in bad moments.”
City face Everton this Saturday without Jack Grealish, who is ineligible to play against his parent club while on loan. Grealish, once a club record signing, has reportedly revived his form since joining Everton.
“He’s had a massive impact since day one,” Guardiola said. “He’s playing well. He’s a lovely, unbelievable guy. He didn’t play for us for various reasons, but now he’s back to real business, playing every game.”
