Pep Guardiola sensationally claims he’d STAY if Man City got relegated to League One but old words come back to bite him
PEP GUARDIOLA has claimed that he would STAY at Manchester City even if the club faced relegation to League One.
The treble-winners are in danger of facing a huge punishment if they are found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
City were charged with 115 FFP breaches earlier this year, but claims suggested that it could take up to four years for the investigation to conclude.
However, following Everton’s shock 10-point deduction for breaking profit and sustainability rules, Premier League officials could potentially settle on a punishment as soon as next year.
Some reports have even suggested that the reigning Premier League champions could face relegation.
But Man City boss Guardiola has claimed that he will likely stay at the Etihad – even if his team are relegated all the way down to League One.
The Spaniard said: “You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved.
“I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.
“But absolutely I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. Absolutely.
“There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
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Guardiola’s recent comments appear to contradict what he originally said about his future when Man City were first charged.
In February the City boss said: “I said to our people, ‘Tell me’ about the suspicions. I looked at them and believed them 100 per cent from day one so I defended the club because of that.
“I did say, ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and you will not be my friend any more’.
“I like to represent a club that is doing things properly. In the end it’s not about winning the Champions League or Premier League, it’s about always doing it well, for our people and our fans.”
Chelsea are also in danger of receiving a punishment for FFP rule breaches.
The Blues have admitted to breaking rules during the Abramovich era — but hope the fact a new regime is now in place will protect them.