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A few hours before Manchester City plays the most important match in the club's history, its first Champions League final, Pep Guardiola wanted to put paid to the rumours that place him on the short list to be the next Barça coach - depending, supposedly, on the outcome of the final against Chelsea.

The answer was given in a brief exchange with Spain's Movistar+ channel, when asked if his future at City depended on the outcome of the Champions League final. "No, I'm staying," he said. The follow-up was to ask if there was any doubt. "No, I'm staying at City, for sure," Guardiola added.

Guardiola, in coach's heaven at Manchester City

A few minutes later, Guardiola addressed the rest of the media, in the traditional pre-match press conference, in which he explained why he has been at Manchester City for more years than at the other clubs he has played for. "City gives the coach everything he needs. Of course, investment, I can't deny it, but not only that. I have friends on the board above me and the players see me as the coach because I have the support of those above me. I feel comfortable with the staff, I have everything. I can't ask for more to do my job the best I can," said Guardiola.

"It's as simple as that. We're in the same line, we make decisions together, we share mistakes and good times. When I lose, they don't tell me I'm responsible, we try to find a solution together. I know that as a coach they will fire me, but they will fire me in good friendship. That's why they extended my contract, that's why. I feel incredibly comfortable with all the departments of the club, not just with the players," he added.

Pep Guardiola Manchester City Europa Press

Pep Guardiola, at the Do Dragao Stadium in Porto / Europa Press

Guardiola, facing his third Champions League final as a coach

Asked about the final against Chelsea, Guardiola has remarked that the Manchester City team do not plan to renounce their style in search of glory, although there are times when you have to adapt to the circumstances. "Everyone wants to win, but to win you have to play. You want to play one way, but sometimes you have to adapt to difficult circumstances. Some players come out tense, some come out fighting, but they have to manage that. I'm pretty sure. that we will have to suffer to win the final. It's easy to say 'go out and enjoy', but sometimes it's not possible. You have to be resilient and adapt. We'll try to be ourselves and do what we can."

Guardiola, of course, has the final he wants in his head and knows the message he has to convey to his players. "They know exactly how we want to play, who we are playing and I won't bother them much. It's an amazing experience to be here, I never expected to play a final when I started my career. We are very lucky. I know exactly what I will tell them. "To the guys, who are anxious and nervous, I will tell them that it is normal."

 

Main image: Pep Guardiola, during Manchester City's training session before the final / Europa Press