Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has humorously offered to reimburse fans after learning they plan to unveil a new banner urging him to remain at the club.
The 1894 Group, known for organising displays of flags and banners at Etihad Stadium, raised over £1,000 in just 24 hours to create the banner.
It is set to be displayed in the South Stand on Saturday during the match against Fulham.
The banner will read, “Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay,” in his native Catalan.
“They have to bring me the bill, I have to pay for the banner,” Guardiola said.
“What can I say? Thank you so much, I fell in love since the first day I arrived here, lets see.”
Pep Guardiola took over as manager of Manchester City in July 2016, and his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
As of now, there are no indications regarding whether he will sign an extension.
Under Guardiola’s leadership, Man City has won a remarkable 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League title in the 2022-23 season.
Currently, Man City sit second in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Liverpool, following two consecutive draws in their last matches.
In July, Guardiola stated that he preferred to wait until the season was underway to evaluate the team’s performance and cohesion before making a decision about his future.
“When it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Guardiola said at a news conference on Friday.
Manchester City are currently facing 115 charges for alleged violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The hearing, described as sport’s “trial of the century,” commenced on September 16 and is expected to last for approximately 10 weeks, with a verdict anticipated in early 2025.
“I’m part of this club, deep inside of my bones, and the best way to defend the club is winning games and doing my job as best as possible,” Guardiola said when asked if there is a need to defend and promote City.
“I am going to defend my club, I trust [them], since the owner, since the chairman for the relation, the CEO, and all the people working here, for many many years. I know them quite well, much more than any of you.
“The best way to defend is by doing our job the best, everyone working here has their own responsibility.
“I’m part of this club, not just the manager.
“I love this club and it will always be that way.”
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