Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed this morning that he will be leaving Ethihad to join this shocking European giant

According to reports in Germany this week, Bayern Munich’s hunt to replace Thomas Tuchel might take them back to former manager Pep Guardiola.

Bayern have seen interest in Xabi Alonso quashed following the decision to break ways with Tuchel at the conclusion of the season, while ties to Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag become less credible with each defeat he oversees at Old Trafford. As a result, a story in Kicker on Monday said that Bayern are interested in re-appointing Guardiola this summer, albeit the same article also stated that the manager has no plans to leave Manchester City at this moment.

Guardiola has a contract with City until the summer of 2025, bringing his stay to nine years. He has previously stated that he intends to fulfill the contracts he signs and will not leave a club before the conclusion of a contract unless results indicate that he is unable to continue.

Last year, at his first news conference after the charges were disclosed, Guardiola stated unequivocally that “I am not leaving from here seat,” and emphasized that City must be given the opportunity to defend their name in an unbiased context.

He stated at the time that he would remain in charge even if the consequence involved relegation to League Two. Earlier this season, he repeated his attitude, saying he is more likely to stay at City if they are relegated than if they win the Champions League again.

“You are inquiring as if we were punished. And we are innocent unless proven guilty,” he continued. “I know they want it. Wait and see, and then we’ll come here and explain it. However, I will not evaluate my future if it is dependent on whether I am here or in League One. Absolutely.

“We have a better chance of staying in League One than winning the Champions League. Why should I not believe, and what has changed?

“That is not the case since the judge, the court, the Premier League attorneys, and our lawyers will ultimately present both defenses in front of the judge and after he makes his decision. I did not change my mind about it; take your time, wait to see what they decide, and then accept the resolution.”

Guardiola also discussed his future after guiding City to the triple last season, saying that nothing had changed in his plans since finally winning the Champions League with the Blues.

“I signed a contract for another two years because I’m content, and nothing has changed whether we won (the treble) or not,” he added, hinting at a possible extension beyond next summer.

“I’m delighted, and so are the people, particularly the board and the hierarchy, because they ultimately determine which manager will lead this group of players.

“If they are satisfied, I am also satisfied. I want to defend what we’ve won, and if I’m exhausted at the end of the season, we’ll chat with the club about extending it.

Josko Gvardiol scored for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola has thrown signals about continuing during the season, and as his contract enters its last year, there will be more queries about his attitude, particularly as the Premier League decision near. Premier League CEO Richard Masters stated that a decision will be made’soon’, which might have an influence on Guardiola’s contract negotiations.

Guardiola traveled to Abu Dhabi after winning the triple to present the three trophies to City owner Sheikh Mansour, and the Blues returned in January for a warm weather training camp. He has regular touch with Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO Ferran Soriano, and Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain.

It’s unclear whether Guardiola would be willing to return to Bayern after leaving City, although Guaridola recently told ESPN Brazil that he wants to lead an international team in a major tournament.

“I’d like to coach a national squad for the World Cup or European Championship. “I’d enjoy it,” he said. “I’m not sure who would want me!” To work for a national team, they must want you, just like a club. I never considered [winning the World Cup]. When I first began out, I never considered winning a league title or the Champions League. No. I thought I had a job? OK.

“I’d like to experience a World Cup, Euro, Copa América, or whatever it is. “I’d enjoy that.”