Man City: Pep Guardiola has resigned ‘100 times’ in the past, says chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Earlier, the FA Cup final win over last month ChelseaGuardiola was asked if this would be his last visit to Wembley Stadium. He replied “no way” and said he had “one more year (on his contract)”.

But the playful way he delivered that line and his quick exit from the room raised a few eyebrows, adding to mounting speculation.

Guardiola was questioned after the draw Bournemouth On May 19, he was asked if he would still be in charge next season and he replied that he would have to talk to Khaldun. Three days later his decision was confirmed.

“He is more than just the manager of the club,” Khaldun said. “To me, he’s a friend. We’ve been close friends over the years and I don’t know if he’ll admit it or not, but I consider myself his psychiatrist.

“Obviously we’ve had a lot of ups and downs and he’s probably resigned 100 times in those 10 years.

“You all know, there’s the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. As for Pep, when he says I’m quitting, he doesn’t mean he’s quitting. You don’t take it seriously – you have to manage him.”

Guardiola joined the club in 2016 and signed contract extensions in May 2018, November 2020, November 2022 and November 2024.

Khaldun said: “He never thought he’d last more than four years, then five years. So in his mind, even four and five years was always ‘OK, how much longer? How much longer?’ And it should always be done the right way.

“There’s always going to be a moment where it’s going to be real.”