Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson thinks Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City in 2020. The Spaniard is still tied to City until 2021. The new contract should run until 2023.
In his first season at Etihad, Guardiola had turned things around the key signings and by replacing ageing stars. In the 2017/18 season he was quite ahead in the title race and City broke the point record of Premier League by achieving 100 points.
Guardiola won his second consecutive Premier League title after finishing on 98 points, one point above Liverpool after his side beat Brighton & Hove Albion 1–4 away on the final day of the league.
“The expectation will weigh heavily on Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. It is what the owners want and desire. City have cracked the Premier League and the owners can see themselves in the VIP box at Istanbul.” Thompson said.
“I think Guardiola would like it before he moves on to his next challenge, and the players have had a taste of it too. You have to have the heartbreak before you taste success. They have got close, but not close enough, so they could go further.” Thompson added.
Guardiola has managed to win the Champions League with average sides like Barcelona. He is the reason why City are so dominant in the Premier League currently.
He almost led his current team to Champions League final after trashed by Tottenham Hotspur last season. However, people will be hopeful that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager lifts the European trophy with the Citizens this season.
“They have the squad and have two teams which could play in the Champions League itself.” Thompson said.
Guardiola is now set to win the Premier League and Champions League titles. The only other strong contestant is Liverpool but the 48-year-old manager wants his team to play their best games.