Jurgen Klopp famously joked that he would like Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City, but as the Catalan battles for a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons, the seriousness inside the humor is clear.

Over that time, Liverpool has been City’s most constant competitor, and in any other six-year period, they would have more than one trophy in their cabinet. Klopp has finished seasons with 92, 97, and 99 points, but has only won the championship with the latter total.

Arsenal fell short last season, failing to stay up with City, who won 12 Premier League games in a row between February and May. Mikel Arteta’s team had one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, but it wasn’t enough.

Under Guardiola, City have become a juggernaut, virtually always coming out on top despite the continuous questions from the outside. Poor starts, injuries, bumps in the road, and fixture pile-ups have done little to derail the momentum, and this season appears to be no exception.

Guardiola signed a two-year contract deal little over a year ago, and for Klopp and Arteta, 2025 was earmarked as the year they would seize over. It had long been reported that City will require a new manager beginning with the 2025/2026 season, but hope was rekindled on Monday.

When asked if he could continue at City longer, Guardiola replied, “Well, yeah, of course!” But I can leave tomorrow as well. In football, a year is a long time. I arrive with long hair and observe what has occurred.

“I wish the team with 100 points could have stayed forever.” This happens in every club.”

Guardiola is well-known for leaving clubs at the last minute. He announced his departure from Barcelona in April, citing fatigue after a particularly acrimonious struggle with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

He will reveal little between now and 2025, but the sensation of freshness that comes with a new, young squad can re-energize even the most weary managers. The Etihad has projects, including Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku, and Josko Gvardiol.

Guardiola stands the best chance of winning additional trophies with City. They have the best team in Europe and the resources to keep improving. He has people above him in Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano who know exactly what he wants and are willing to deliver it to him.

Despite the fact that Barcelona appeared to be the ideal setting, Guardiola chose to seek a new challenge abroad. After nine seasons, he has a good possibility of leaving Manchester in 2025.

Klopp and Arteta will both be hoping he does.