Pep Guardiola hints at when he’ll leave Manchester City as he marks 200 games in charge

As Pep Guardiola prepares to take charge of his 200th Premier League game, the Manchester City manager says it’s unlikely he’ll remain at the Etihad for another double century of matches.

The champions host Crystal Palace on Saturday (3pm kick-off) which will mark the special occasion for Guardiola and, more importantly in his eyes, represent a chance to close the gap to leaders Chelsea.

However, speaking in Friday’s press conference, Guardiola said he doesn’t see himself at City for another 200 games.

“No I don’t think so,” he responded when posed that question via video link.

“I’ve been many years here,” Guardiola expanded. “When you have 200 games it’s because you’ve been many years and when you have been many years it’s because you won some games. No secrets. We are judged on the results, we are not judged on how good we are, or how bad we are, just the results.

“You can get these milestones because we have done quite decent with the players. I don’t have any regrets, I couldn’t demand or ask more than we have done so far, it’s impossible. I’m more than delighted [with] what we live together in this period. Hopefully in the years still to come we can continue working really well.

“I’m incredibly happy,” he added. “We saw the team grow and improve and that’s the best signal that we are doing well. I try to adapt and adjust [to] the Premier League for specific things. Two-hundred games cannot be more satisfying, amazing for what we live and the way we want to play. We did it, [we] continue to try to do it.

Welcoming back Vieira

Saturday’s game will also see former City player Patrick Vieira return to the club he represented for a season and a half between 2010-2011.

The Palace manager remained at City in a non-playing role after he retired and was part of the club’s coaching network for several years, including taking charge of the Elite Development Squad. In 2016, Vieira also managed City’s sister club New York City.

Speaking on Friday, Guardiola revealed that in addition to the former Arsenal captain’s City links, the pair know each other well from his time at Bayern Munich, when Vieira spent a brief spell learning the managerial ropes at the German giants.

Therefore, it’s no surprise the ex-midfielder is in for a welcome return to the Etihad on Saturday.

“When a person like Patrick came to Munich I was delighted,” Guardiola explained. “First of all, you cannot imagine the honour it was for me and for the staff to get a visit from him. These types of human beings, not just on the pitch what he has done for the Premier League and world football, was outstanding.

“It’s a privilege and an honour and only I can say thanks to him. We were together for a short time in Manchester and now he’s changed the dynamic and how they play with Crystal Palace, changing many things. It will be a good test tomorrow.”