Pep Guardiola says he will stand by Manchester City even if they are relegated over alleged breaches of financial rules – and claimed that “75%” of rivals want the club to be relegated.
Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension that would keep him at City until 2027.
The 53-year-old has committed his future to the club, although no decision is expected any time soon 115 Premier League charges against City until the beginning of next year.
City denies any wrongdoing, but the sanctions if found guilty could range from a hefty fine to points deductions and even relegation.
Guardiola said 12 months ago that he would manage them in the first division if necessary.
He reiterated that sentiment on Friday ahead of the Premier League game against Tottenham.
“I said that six months ago. You have my interviews,” he said.
“I said that when all the clubs were accusing us of doing something wrong and people were asking: 'What happens if we get relegated?' I'll be here.
“I don't know what position they're going to put us in, the conference? [But] Next year we will always return to the Premier League.
“I knew it then, I feel it now.”
However, Guardiola said he had not considered the issue when he decided to extend his stay and that the more pressing matter was to undo the damage of four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial career.
“I read something about the situation and the need to get relegated immediately,” he added.
“75 percent of the clubs want it because I know what they do behind the scenes and stuff like that. But I don't live with it, I live with the four defeats, which is what I have to do. There.” There are lawyers on both sides. I don't think about that.