Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday that Jurgen Klopp’s decision to extend his stay at Liverpool will not affect his future plans. Klopp on Thursday signed a two-year contract extension to keep the Reds boss at Anfield until at least 2026.
Guardiola’s current City deal expires at the end of next season and he has yet to commit to prolonging his spell with the Premier League champions.
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It remains to be seen whether Guardiola will stick around to maintain his duel with Klopp, with City and Liverpool embarking on another tense Premier League title race this stint.
The Spaniard insisted his only focus at present was City’s crucial trip to Leeds on Saturday as leaders try to maintain their one-point advantage over second-placed Liverpool.
“Congratulations to Jurgen and Liverpool,” Guardiola told reporters.
“I think it’s really good for the Premier League. I wish them a bright future. My future is Leeds, our future is Leeds and then the end of the season.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said of his life at City: “I am enjoying this part of the season and we will have time.
“I am incredibly happy and there couldn’t be a better place to work.
“I can’t imagine a better place, but it’s not just me, it’s many things, there are other situations. We’re going to make the decisions we’re going to make with calmness.”
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was named the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year on Friday.
Egypt, who has scored 30 goals in all competitions for Klopp’s quadruple chase team this season, beat City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne in second place.
Guardiola congratulates Salah, but can be considered a back-hand swipe at Klopp.
“Congratulations Salah. He has the best keeper, the second best keeper in the world, the best central defender, the best midfielder, the best striker. So it’s normal that they all win awards,” Jurgen said.
Guardiola said England right-back Kyle Walker may not play again in the current campaign.
Walker has missed City’s last four matches against Atletico Madrid with an ankle injury.
“I just don’t know,” Guardiola said of Walker’s chances of returning to action this season.
“He is injured, unfortunately for all of us and especially for him, but I do not pay attention. He has to work to get back as soon as possible. I am focusing on the rest of the players.”
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