Pep Guardiola rules out leaving Manchester City this season

Pep Guardiola has ruled out the prospect of leaving Manchester City before his contract expires in June 2021.

The Catalan, now in his fourth season at the Etihad, finds himself under pressure following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break - a result that left City nine points behind Jurgen Klopp's side.

Reports have suggested that Guardiola could be set for a return to Bayern Munich, who sacked Niko Kovac earlier this month.

Speaking on the subject of a potential return to Bavaria, Guardiola told Sky Sports News: "When these things appear, is it the media or the club? We don't know. It could be one guy [starting a rumour] and then people take it.

"I like the people from Bayern a lot. I was incredibly happy there, but they know I'm a guy that respects what I sign.

"In football, when you are not getting results you can be sacked but in this case if [Manchester City] wants me, I want to stay here."

It has also been claimed that Mauricio Pochettino, sacked by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, was a key candidate for the Bayern role.

The Bundesliga champions have confirmed that interim boss Hansi Flick will remain in charge until January at least.