Leagues: EPL

Pep Guardiola could quit City if club lied to him about finances

Pep Guardiola could quit at Manchester City if he follows through on his words given the latest accusations that the club broke financial rules. The news broke Monday morning that the Premier League accused Manchester City of exaggerating the value of its sponsorship deals. If true, the club brought in money directly through United Arab Emirates ownership group.

While the punishments can range from fines to point deductions to expulsion from the Premier League, there may be an added consequence.

Martyn Ziegler from The Times brought up previous comments made by City manager Pep Guardiola. In May 2022, Guardiola stated that if he learned City lied to him about finances, he would promptly leave.

“When they are accused of something I ask them: ‘Tell me about that.’ They explain and I believe them. I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more.’”

The Spaniard, who also managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, likes to run a clean ship. Trophies are important, yes. But, doing well for the club and fans is moreso.

“What I like is to represent a club who do things properly [and] well. It’s not about winning the Champions League and the Premier League, we want to do well for our people and our fans.”

Pep Guardiola could quit City despite rampant success

Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension with City in November. It keeps him at the club through the 2024/25 campaign. That would be his ninth season at the helm of Manchester City.

However, that could be haywire. Pep Guardiola was not here when these accusations started. The Premier League’s accusations stem back to 2009/10. Guardiola only arrived at the Etihad in 2016/17.

Granted, the accusations run through the 2017/18 season, Guardiola’s third in the dugout at City.

Pep Guardiola is yet to make comments on the recent revelations from the Premier League. However, City vehemently opposed them, countering the accusations that the club did help investigators and committed no wrongdoing.

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

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