Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he cannot leave the club after suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time in his coaching career.
Guardiola has signed a two-year contract with City that will keep him at the club until 2027.
The 53-year-old Spaniard joined City in 2016 and has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles.
His contract expired at the end of the current season and he signed a new contract after defeats against Tottenham, Brighton, Sporting and Bournemouth.
“I felt like I couldn’t leave now. Maybe it was the four defeats that were the reason,” Guardiola said on the club’s website.
“I think we deserve to get back on our feet after four defeats in a row and try to turn the situation around. I think we deserve to be here. I’m not arrogant to say that, but it’s the truth.”
Guardiola said he is determined to help City “overcome” the current difficult situation and reach a level where they are “more stable and consistent” to scale the heights of the past.
“We have to restore that because at the moment we don’t have it and that is the goal we have to achieve,” he added.
It is the first time in his coaching career that Guardiola has suffered such a series of defeats (excluding penalties).
Guardiola also said that managing City means “a lot” to him and that he has “everything a manager could want” at the club.
“This is my ninth season here. We have had so many great times together. I have a very special feeling for this football club,” he said.
“Hopefully we can now add more trophies to those we have already won. That will be my focus.”
It was reported that Guardiola had agreed to a new contract on Wednesday and the club confirmed the news a day later.
