Pep Guardiola says he has been ‘f****** fun’ as he continues to keep people guessing over his future.
The Manchester City manager was in a playful mood when asked if Saturday’s FA Cup final could be his last trip to Wembley with the club.
There has been speculation all season that Guardiola could stand down as City manager this summer after a decade in charge in which he has so far won 19 trophies.
The Spaniard has repeatedly pointed out he still has another year remaining on his contract, but he has also stopped short of explicitly committing himself beyond this season.
Asked at a press conference on Friday if he had achieved greatness in his time at City, Guardiola flexed his biceps before answering with a smile: “Yes, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad!
“They know, they don’t need to wait (for) when I’m leaving, they know I’ve been fun. I’ve been f****** fun!
“So, 19 titles – fighting for the 20 in 10 years – it’s not bad, honestly.”
He was then asked if Saturday would be his Wembley swansong with City.
After it was indicated this would be the final question of the press conference, he responded in a jokey tone.
He said: “No way! I have one more year (on my) contract.”
He then headed sharply for the exit.
Earlier in the meeting, Guardiola had been asked about reports that two of his backroom staff in Lorenzo Buenaventura and Xabi Mancisidor were set to leave.
Again responding with humour, he declined to comment on whether the developments had any implications for his own future.
“I extended the contracts of all of them for three more years,” he said sarcastically.
Asked if this was really the case, he said: “No.”
He later said he would have no problem if the coaches wanted to move on.
He said: “As with the players, if you’re not happy you just have to knock on the sporting director’s door and get an agreement with another club. What sense is there to stay?
“It’s the same with the backroom staff. You have to follow your dreams. You cannot stay in your comfort zone. You have to go for it – life is too short.”
