Why Pep Guardiola will be determined to stay at Manchester City - even if they face relegation

Pep Guardiola vowed to stay at the helm of Manchester City when the club faced 115 charges over alleged financial breaches. The fuel that drives Guardiola and all winners is challenges - nothing motivates winners like a new challenge.

He said confidently when the charges first emerged: “I am not moving from this seat. I can assure you more than ever that I want to stay. More than ever.

“Sometimes I have doubts; seven years is already a long time. Now I don't want to go. Not because people say, ‘they lied to you, Pep.’ They didn’t lie to me. Look what happened with UEFA. It is the same case. Why should I not trust my people? The CEOs of the 19 clubs, not my people.”

Pep has always thrived on challenges, and one reason he’s been reluctant to sign a new deal is that he’s achieved and won everything there is to win-Champions League, Premier League, and more.

As crazy as it sounds - how about staying and winning the Championship, taking the team back to the top when the chips are down? Being the manager who lifts the team from relegation and the bottom of the barrel is the kind of unique challenge that might interest him, as he wouldn’t want to be seen as jumping ship when things get tough.

When will we know the answers

Probably in about two-and-a-half months, or 10 weeks, initially. However, a verdict on the case is not expected until early 2025 amid anticipated lengthy deliberations from the independent panel. Both the Premier League and Manchester City have the right to appeal any outcome, which could delay the ultimate conclusion of the case. Unlike a courtroom, where journalists are allowed to report, this is a private hearing, so updates are expected to be limited and sporadic.

But expect that Pep will want to know the state of the club before he says goodbye. Having worked with him for a while, it’s clear he is the kind of manager who wants to leave a project he’s been associated with for almost 10 years in a strong position. Despite the chaos that may unfold in the coming months, this could be the best route for them to retain their superstar manager.

No manager has transformed the league like Guardiola has, and he has wrested the bragging rights from that side of Manchester, having seen United dominate City and football in the country. If he were to leave because the team were punished with relegated, it would also mean a slight dent in what he was able to achieve on these shores. Guardiola has transformed Manchester City, and they would be happy to have him, especially considering how he was there during their lowest point.

There is a strong chance that City could retain Guardiola if their worst fears are confirmed, and what a story that would.