Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will remain at Manchester City regardless of the result of their appeal against Financial Fair Play breaches, and insists he backs the club against their ‘unfair’ expulsion from the Champions League.
The Premier League champions were this week fined €30m by UEFA and banned from European competition for two seasons having been found guilty of financial breaches, though the Etihad club have announced their intention to appeal the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
City returned to action following a difficult week with a 2-0 victory over West Ham on Monday night, and speaking following the clash Guardiola insists he remains committed to the club, whether or not they are successful in overturning their sanctions.
“It’s not finished. The club believes it’s unfair so we are going to appeal. We are going to wait,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
”All we can do is on the pitch and do what we have done the last four years and focus on that until the end of the season. I trust 100% completely my club what they have done. They explained to me the reasons why.
“We are going to fight like we have fought every single game and day we are together until the end of the season. We are optimistic that at the end the truth will prevail and next season we will be in the Champions League.
“If they don’t sack me I will stay here 100% more than ever. First because I want to stay. It’s something special, more than the contract I have. I said before, I say now I want to stay and help the club and maintain this level as long as possible.”
The Premier League are also conducting a separate investigation into City’s financial dealings, with speculation suggesting the club could face potential punishments ranging from retrospective points deductions to relegation down the footballing pyramid.
Asked whether he would stay even if the club were forced to play in League Two, the Spaniard was unwavering in his response and insists he will remain with City next season ‘no matter what happens’.
“Why should I leave? When I said I love this club I like to be here, why should I leave? No matter what happens I will be here next season.”
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