MY ACCOUNT
Pep Guardiola has no doubt late mentor Johan Cruyff would have backed his decision to remain with Manchester City after penning a new two-year contract.
The Catalan coach has agreed fresh terms with the Premier League champions to take him through to 2025, stretching his tenure in charge to what will be a nine-year stay.
Under his watch, City have entrenched themselves as the dominant force in English football, with four top-flight titles, though their dream of winning the Champions League remains elusive.
Reflecting on his decision, Guardiola suggested both director of football Txiki Begiristain and himself would have received blessing from the late Dutchman, who managed them during their playing days at Barcelona.
“I think he would say extend two more years the contract!” he told City’s website. “I am pretty sure Johan Cruyff would say that.
“From above he is happy right now. Always, I have the feeling of how sad about the fact he cannot be here to enjoy it with all of us. We are his sons, Txiki and myself.
“We talk about how nice it would be if he was here, but something he taught us or drove us with always is there.”
Guardiola also took time to praise his backroom staff at City, who have helped him achieve nine major honours as manager.
“First of all, the quality that they have as human beings, first and foremost otherwise they would not be here,” he said.
“But you have to cultivate, you have to grow, we have to still do what we have to do to continue to be better. Also, for the backroom staff, the message I’ve done is the same.
“It’s not that what we have done is enough. They have to improve themselves, show they want to be here, that they want to help us [and] the club improve altogether. They know I’m just a part of that.”
