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Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Football, Carabao Cup, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Football, Carabao Cup, Premier League
A major new update has been released over the future of Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager amid the club reaching the Carabao Cup final.
City thrashed Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-final, having led 2-0 after the first leg.
A first-half brace from Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders' strike at the Etihad Stadium condemned Eddie Howe's side to a comprehensive defeat over two legs, despite Anthony Elanga's consolation goal in the second half.
City will take on current Premier League leaders Arsenal in the final on March 22.
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There has been speculation over whether it will be the last time City contest the Carabao Cup final under Guardiola's management.
The Athletic reported in December that the now former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had been shortlisted as a potential replacement for the Spaniard, with sources claiming there was a 'growing anticipation' that Guardiola could leave the club at the end of this season.
The City boss is under contract until the summer of 2027.
Since those initial reports, the likes of Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas have been linked with the manager role at the Etihad Stadium.
Now, BBC Sport report that, as per sources, there is 'tangible uncertainty' over whether Guardiola will opt to see out the final 12 months of his contract or depart the club at the end of the season.
They add that a decision will not officially be made 'towards the end of the season', or even once it concludes, and that it is 'improbable' that, whatever his decision, Guardiola would renew his contract beyond 2027.
Speaking in December, Guardiola stated that he was 'happy' at the Etihad Stadium - adding that he would 'go home' as soon as he felt 'that it is done'.
"I want to stay here," he told reporters. "What can I say?
"The moment I feel that it is done and with the players I cannot squeeze more - or I can't visualise how we could do better - then I will go home. Still I have the feeling.
"In 10 years I've done everything. It's not about that [staying]. The motivation is not [trophies]. The team is getting better and better, and that is what I like."