Pep Guardiola drops big hint over Man City future after Champions League draw with Inter Milan
Man City news: Pep Guardiola has hinted he could yet stay at the Etihad Stadium after his side's Champions League draw with Inter Milan
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Pep Guardiola has hinted he could yet stay at Manchester City following their Champions League draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard's side went into the showdown hoping to lay down a marker as they look to win the competition for a second time, having previously done so in 2021.
But Inter were good value for their draw, with Simone Inzaghi's side digging deep to emerge with a crucial point to their name.
Guardiola's current contract with City is due to expire next summer. The club would love him to sign another renewal - though will ultimately not put any pressure on the greatest manager in their entire history.
Man City news: Pep Guardiola has hinted he could yet stay at the Etihad Stadium after his side's Champions League draw with Inter Milan
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There is a widespread expectancy that Guardiola will leave City, having been in charge of the club ever since 2016.
Now, however, he's suggested he could end up staying by making clear his love for English football.
"I love Italy but I really enjoy being here," he said. "I love English football. It is fantastic, I really enjoy it.
"They leave you alone to get on with your job. That doesn’t happen anywhere else.
“This is a great club; I really feel good here. I am pleased to be here.”
One player who struggled to make an impact for City during their draw with Inter was Erling Haaland.
The Norway international has been in staggering form in the Premier League this term, netting nine goals from four matches.
He was subdued on Wednesday, however, with the 24-year-old having just one shot and 14 touches throughout the clash.
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But Guardiola has defended Haaland by saying: “There were six players around him, three behind, three in front.
“That makes it difficult for any player.
“We tried to use the spaces, that is why [Ilkay] Gundogan had a couple of chances.
"I knew Inter would play like that. Credit to them. We created a couple of really clear opportunities but we didn’t score.”
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Man City news: Pep Guardiola has defended Erling Haaland after the striker failed to score against Inter Milan
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Meanwhile, Inter Milan boss Inzaghi was proud of the way his team performed.
"They worked well together," said the Italian. “We knew the opponent we were up against. But they did very well.
“We could have been a bit more clinical in some situations.
“And then in the second half we had to suffer a bit. But even then we had chances with Darmian and Mkhitaryan where we could have done better.”
Man City news: Simone Inzaghi was proud of his players after Inter Milan earned a draw in their Champions League clash
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City are next in action against Arsenal in their crunch Premier League showdown on Sunday (4.30pm).
As for Inter, they'll lock horns with fierce rivals AC Milan on the same day (7.45pm).