Guardiola Reacts As Arsenal End Man City Dominance, Eyes Next Move

Speculation over his possible exit intensified on Monday night, just hours before Manchester City travelled to face AFC Bournemouth. The timing placed added attention on the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw and officially ruled City out of the Premier League title race.

The result gave Arsenal an unassailable four-point lead with one game remaining, confirming their first league title since 2004.

Guardiola stressed that any discussion about his future would only take place after talks with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“I could say that I have one more year of contract and with the conversations I have had for many years, always from my experience when you announce, whatever you announce, during the competition, [it] is a bad, bad result,” Guardiola told Sky Sports after the defeat that confirmed Arsenal as champions.

“And as you understand, the first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided that when we finish the season we will sit and we will talk. It is as simple as that and after we will make the decision.”

City will conclude their Premier League campaign at home against Aston Villa, with Guardiola insisting his focus remains on finishing strongly.

“Listen, I have one more year of contract,” he said.

“I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, with my players, with my staff because when we play for the FA Cup, qualification for the Champions League, the Premier League it’s just one thing in my mind and focus: try to bring the team to the highest point and it’s what we have done.”

Following Arsenal’s title confirmation, Guardiola congratulated Mikel Arteta and his team.

“On behalf of Man City, congratulations to Arsenal, Mikel and all the backroom staff on the Premier League that they deserve,” he said.

“He put a lot of effort and work. Congratulations to him.”

He added: “I’m the happiest man on the planet to be at this club. It is extraordinary.”