Pep Guardiola's Man City exit plan becomes clear after 'change in atmosphere'

Pep Guardiola has spoken about his future at Manchester City after responding to speculation linking him with the Brazil national team job.

The five-time Premier League winning manager has entered the final year of his contract and it was widely reported over the summer that he planned to leave in 2025.

Football director Txiki Begiristain, close to Guardiola, will be replaced by Hugo Viana after his arrival was announced in October.

But according to The Athletic, there is now a “stronger school of thought” that Guardiola will stay at City for another year, before working on his next role in his glittering career.

Guardiola is yet to decide on his future, but the club have apparently noted a “change in atmosphere” at the Etihad. While it was previously thought he would leave after nine years in charge, a contract extension remains a possibility.

In the past, the 53-year-old has signed new contracts in November, in 2020 and 2022. And with the international break approaching, now would be an opportune time to sit down to discuss the situation.

If he leaves, it is understood that Guardiola's next role could see him follow Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel in stepping up to international management in time for the 2030 World Cup.

Speculation persists that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) wants to hire Guardiola after contacting him several times this year. The same report adds that Guardiola “likes the idea” of leading the Selecao, who are struggling under current boss Dorival Junior.

Asked by a journalist about his chances of taking charge of the Brazil national team, Guardiola responded with a wry remark before reaffirming his commitment to the Premier League champions.

“After a 4-1 defeat, I am no longer an option,” Guardiola joked before adding. “More than ever, I want to elevate the team [Manchester City] and bring them back to their highest level.”

While some managers would fear suffering a number of injuries in a small team, Guardiola insisted he is enjoying the challenge of managing a small team despite three consecutive defeats for the first time since April 2018.

“It’s a difficult challenge, but I’m here,” he added. “It will be a difficult season – we knew that from the start. But that's it. I like it, I like it, I want to face it, lift my players up and try it.