New deal, FFP stance, next job - What Guardiola has said on Man City future amid Bayern Munich links

Reports in Germany this week suggested that Bayern Munich's search to replace Thomas Tuchel could lead them back to former manager Pep Guardiola.

Bayern have seen interest in Xabi Alonso knocked back after the decision was made to part ways with Tuchel at the end of the season, and links to Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag look less convincing with every defeat he oversees at Old Trafford. That resulted in a report in Kicker on Monday suggesting there is interest at Bayern in re-appointing Guardiola this summer, although the same report concedes that the manager has no intention of leaving Manchester City at this time.

Guardiola has a contract at City until the summer of 2025, which would take his tenure to nine years. He has spoken in the past of intending to honour the contracts he signs, without leaving a club before the end of a contract unless results dictate that he cannot continue.

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Next summer could be an important one for City. They are playing in the FIFA Club World Cup in June-July 2025 which could complicate Guardiola's departure, while reports suggest a decision could be due at the end of next season on the 115 charges from the Premier League on alleged Financial Fair Play breaches.

Last year, in his first press conference since those charges were announced, Guardiola was firm that: "I am not moving from this seat," and has been clear that City must be given the opportunity to clear their name in an independent setting.

He said at the time he would remain in charge even if potential punishments included relegation to League Two. Earlier this season he reiterated that stance when he said he is more likely to stay at City if they are kicked out of the top flight than if they win the Champions League again.

"You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved," he said. "I know the people want it. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it. But absolutely I will not consider my future [if] it depends being here or being in League One. Absolutely.

"There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we win the Champions League. Why should I not believe, what’s changed?

"It’s not the case because the judge and the court and the Premier League lawyers and our lawyers at the end make both defence in front of the judge and after he will decide. I didn’t change for one second my opinion about it – take time, wait and see what they decide and after we accept the resolution."

Guardiola also discussed his future after leading City to the treble last season, insisting that nothing had changed regarding his stance on his future since finally lifting the Champions League with the Blues.

“I signed a contract for another two years because I feel comfortable - and nothing has changed whether we won (the treble) or didn’t win," he said - even hinting at a potential extension past next summer.

“I am happy and the people are happy, the board and the hierarchy especially, because they decide in the end which manager is going to lead this group of players.

“If they are satisfied, I am still satisfied. I want to defend what we won and maybe at the end of the season, if I am tired, we will talk with the club - or maybe extend more.”

Guardiola has dropped other hints over staying as the season has gone on, and as his contract moves into its final year there will be more questions asked of his stance - particularly as the Premier League decision approaches. Premier League CEO Richard Masters said a decision will be made 'soon', which could impact Guardiola's contract talks too.

After winning the treble, Guardiola travelled to Abu Dhabi to meet City owner Sheikh Mansour with the three trophies, and the Blues were back in Abu Dhabi in January for a warm weather training camp. He has regular contact with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO Ferran Soriano and Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain.

Whether Guardiola would be open to returning to Bayern after leaving City is another matter, but Guaridola recently told ESPN Brazil that he would like to manage an international team at a major tournament.

"I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that," he said. "I don't know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club. I never thought about [winning a World Cup]. When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or winning the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK.

"I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa América, or whatever it is. I would like that."