Pep Guardiola isn’t ready to jump off Bayern Munich’s hot seat in order to test himself in the heat of the Premier League.
Guardiola said at a press conference Monday he will remain as Bayern Munich’s coach next season. Guardiola’s comments refuted recent reports, which claim he is close to agreeing to replace Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City’s manager next term.
“I’ve said 200 million times before, I have another year on my contract,” Guardiola said, according to Sky Sports. “I will be here next year. There’s nothing more to say. Next season I will be here, and that’s all there is to it.”
Guardiola, one of the soccer world’s most successful and respected coaches, has led Bayern Munich to two Bundesliga (German first division) titles, one DFB-Pokal (German Cup), one UEFA Supercup and one FIFA Club World Cup crown in his first two seasons in charge.
But Guardiola’s failure to win the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich has increased both pressure on his shoulders and speculation about his future. Guardiola’s contract expires in 2016, and it would be unusual for a top coach to work at a big club with only one year remaining on his contract.
Guardiola and Bayern Munich ultimately could part ways this summer. But the former Barcelona boss doesn’t appear to be willing to take the first leap into the unknown, despite the open arms that could be waiting for him.
Thumbnail photo via Matthias Schrader/The Associated Press
