Pep Guardiola responds to Wayne Rooney plea over Manchester City future

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to Wayne Rooney, after the England legend revealed hopes for the Etihad Stadium boss to stay in his role beyond this season.

The remarks from the Manchester United legend come amid continued uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s long-term position at Manchester City, with some reports suggesting the current campaign could be his last in charge.

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Now into his tenth season at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola has repeatedly insisted his focus remains on immediate objectives, even as questions persist about whether he will see out the remainder of his contract – which runs until the summer of 2027.

While he has publicly reaffirmed his commitment on several occasions to his existing contractual agreement, he has also acknowledged the demanding nature of elite management and the possibility of stepping away for a period when the time feels right.

Now, speaking to reporters ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle on Saturday night, Wayne Rooney’s recent praise and personal hopes for the Catalan to stay with the Sky Blues for longer were put to the 55-year-old.

“A huge honour,” admitted Guardiola. “When compliments come from football players or players involved in the game, and Wayne… What a player!”

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Pep Guardiola continued, “I think in world football, in this country, there are thousands, millions of huge personalities that make the sport better, and Wayne has been one of them.”

Guardiola’s warm response underlines the mutual respect between two figures who have shaped different eras of English football, despite representing fierce rivals in the North-West.

Rooney had previously described Pep Guardiola as “brilliant for the Premier League” and credited him with setting the benchmark over the past decade – sentiments the Manchester City boss clearly appreciated.

Behind the scenes, Manchester City’s hierarchy have reportedly been preparing for every eventuality should Pep Guardiola decide to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, with former assistant Enzo Maresca viewed as a leading candidate.

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For now, however, Pep Guardiola remains firmly in place and focused on domestic and European ambitions, and a win against Newcastle on Saturday night could move the club to within just two points of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after they slumped to a 2-2 draw at Wolves.

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