Pep Guardiola has pledged his loyalty to Manchester City, insisting he will remain with the club even if they are relegated over alleged breaches of financial rules.
The City manager claimed that “75%” of rival clubs would like to see City face relegation.
Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the helm until 2027.
Despite facing 115 charges from the Premier League, no decision is expected until early next year regarding the case.
Manchester City has denied all wrongdoing, but potential sanctions – if they are found guilty – could range from heavy fines to points deductions, or even relegation.
Guardiola had previously stated 12 months ago that he would manage City in League One if necessary, a sentiment he reaffirmed before Friday’s Premier League match against Tottenham.
“I said that six months ago. You have my interviews,” he said.
“I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong and people say ‘what happens if we are relegated?’ I will be here.
“I don’t know the position they are going to bring us, the Conference? [But] next year we will come up and come up and come back to the Premier League.
“I knew it then, I feel it now.”
“I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately,” he added.
“Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. But I don’t live with it, I live with the four defeats, what I have to do.
“There are lawyers on both sides. I don’t think about it.”
Read more: Liverpool could be without four players for Southampton clash
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri plan
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka injury update
