Frank Christian
Before the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday, Manchester City supporters displayed a banner paying tribute to Pep Guardiola, alongside a heartfelt request for him to remain at the club.
Guardiola has been with Manchester City since the summer of 2016 and has led the team through a remarkable era.
Under his management, City has secured six Premier League titles, including a remarkable streak of four consecutive championships. This success is complemented by six domestic cup victories and the club’s first UEFA Champions League title in the 2022/23 season, completing a treble.
However, the club’s achievements are overshadowed by an ongoing investigation into 130 alleged breaches of competition rules, currently being reviewed by an independent panel, with a decision anticipated in early 2025.
Amid these challenges, City fans are particularly focused on Guardiola’s contract, which is set to expire in June 2025.
Understanding the Message on the Man City Banner
A banner displayed in the Etihad Stadium’s South Stand, funded through contributions by the 1894 supporters group and the 93:20 podcast, conveyed the message: “Pep Guardiola — Volem que et Quedis!”
Pep Guardiola – we want you to stay. Message on banner in home end at the Etihad Stadium. pic.twitter.com/apqluoxmwp
— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) October 5, 2024
This translates from Catalan as “Pep Guardiola — We want you to stay!” the language of the region where Guardiola is from in Spain.
When he joined City, Guardiola signed an initial three-year contract, followed by extensions in 2018, 2020, and 2022.
The final two contracts were inked during the November international breaks, after which Guardiola evaluated both his squad and his own desires to continue. This context highlights the significance of the banner, as it suggests another pivotal decision period is approaching.
Guardiola’s Reaction to the Banner
When questioned about the banner at a pre-match press conference, Guardiola chose not to speak about his future but expressed his appreciation, even offering to cover the £1,000 cost of the banner.
“They should send me the bill — I will pay for the banner! I don’t want them to spend money for that,” he remarked.
“What can I say? Thank you so much. I loved it from the first day I arrived. Whatever happens with my future will happen,” he added.
