Revealed: Why Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is currently in Abu Dhabi amid contract uncertainty | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is confirmed to be present in Abu Dhabi during the ongoing international break, according to a new report.

The longer-term future of the 54-year-old remains uncertain at the Etihad Stadium, with his existing contract – signed in the autumn of 2022 – expiring at the end of Manchester City’s ongoing season.

Whilst City will allow Guardiola to take his time over a decision on his future, they will also do everything they can within reason to persuade him to stay, with the likes of Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano integral to those efforts.

For now, Pep Guardiola will remain tight-lipped over his future and will not be drawn into dialogue over his thought process when quizzed on the subject during press conferences. However, his latest activity during the international break has raised some intrigue.

Rumours of Pep Guardiola’s presence in the UAE has caused excitement amongst supporters on social media in recent days, with Abu Dhabi being the home of City’s owners, and also where the former Barcelona boss has been when convinced to sign new deals in recent years.

However, as confirmed by The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Guardiola is currently in Abu Dhabi during the international break s part of ‘routine commercial agreements’.

In recent days, sources close to Guardiola have said that the Manchester City manager ‘loved’ fans’ display at the Etihad Stadium against Fulham, especially the Catalan flags, with a message reading, “Pep Guardiola: We Want You To Stay!!!”

There are also growing hopes alongside those words from sources that Guardiola may extend his Manchester City contract in the ‘near future’, with some suggesting that a two-year extension is currently in the works.

One added complication to proceedings is that Pep Guardiola’s close friend and director of football at the Etihad Stadium, Txiki Begiristain is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

At present, it is understood that Begiristain’s exit will have no impact on whether Pep Guardiola chooses to extend his stay at Manchester City, or opts to bring an end to his time at the club at the end of his current contract next summer.