Slot: Guardiola contract is ‘good news’ for Premier League

Arne Slot thinks it is “good news” for the Premier League that Pep Guardiola has signed a contract extension with Manchester City.

The Spaniard signed a two-year extension with the reigning champions and will remain in the dugout at the Etihad until 2027.

He has won 18 major trophies during his time at City, including six Premier League titles, and twice defeated Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to the top-flight crown by one point.

Guardiola averages 2.35 points per game in the Premier League, the highest of any manager (20+ games). He is so far ahead of the next highest (2.16 from Alex Ferguson) that he could lose his next 26 league games in a row and still be top.

Slot has yet to face City since taking over from Klopp at the start of the season, with the rivals' first meeting of the season taking place on December 1.

“It's good news for City and for the league because everyone here wants the best managers and the best players,” Slot said when asked about Guardiola's new contract.

“He is definitely one of the best managers, maybe the best manager in the league.

“He has won four titles in a row, so it is fair to say he is perhaps the best manager in the league.

“On the other hand, they have so many quality players that if he had made the choice to leave, I wouldn't have expected them to finish bottom of the league next season.”

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that @PepTeam has signed a contract extension

pic.twitter.com/Ue1md3f12A

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 21, 2024

Other Premier League managers echoed Slot's sentiment, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, who handed City a fourth successive defeat before the international break, saying it was the “best thing that could happen to the Premier League”.

“He's one of the best coaches in the world,” Hurzeler said. “He always brings something new to the football stage with his ideas, and it is always a challenge to compete against him.

“He always adapts quickly, always has new ideas and can always win the match. I'm very happy because we can learn from him and competing with him is a big, big experience.”

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe added: “He has contributed so much to English football. He has revolutionized the way many teams play.

“I think he is incredibly talented and it is good for the English game that he is still around.

“He will continue to develop and evolve his style and people may continue to follow that. In terms of competition, I think that will keep the Premier League the best in the world.”