75% Of Premier League Clubs Want Manchester City Relegated – Says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola commented on Friday that a significant portion of the Premier League, approximately three-quarters, wishes to see Manchester City relegated due to alleged violations of financial regulations.

Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles in the past seven years with City, signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, committing him to the English champions till 2027.

A hearing regarding the Premier League’s 115 charges against Manchester City has been taking place for several weeks, with a verdict anticipated before the conclusion of the season.

The club has strongly denied any financial wrongdoing but could face a severe points penalty if found guilty of some or all the charges.

Guardiola, too, has been happy to be the public face of that defense, with the Spaniard saying Friday, “I prefer not to be in that position, but once it’s there, I love it because, when you believe in your club, and the people there. I believe what they say to me and the reasons why.

“I cannot say yet because we’re awaiting the sentence in February or March… I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately. 75 percent of the clubs want it because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff.

“I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here.

“Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.”

Guardiola’s choice to extend his contract provides a positive lift amid a rare phase of on-field difficulties. This marks the first time in his managerial career that his team has suffered four straight losses.

But the 53-year-old hit back at City’s critics, pointing to their success in becoming the first side to ever win four English top-flight titles in a row.

“When you are here for nine years, with a long time at one club, you live all the scenarios, all the situations,” added Guardiola.

“You’re able to lose four games in a row, but at the same time you’re able to win four Premier Leagues in a row.”

City’s poor run began with a League Cup exit to Tottenham before Premier League defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton either side of a 4-1 loss at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

All four losses occurred away from home, and Guardiola is optimistic about finding some reassurance when City returns to the Etihad Stadium, where they haven’t lost in open play for two years.

“We have to start to win games, we know it,” he added.

“We are coming back at home. Hopefully, we can perform well and start to take our rhythm.”