Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a new two-year contract which will see him stay at the club until 2025.
The Spanish coach has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, picking up four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups and an FA Cup in six years at the Etihad Stadium.
It’s no secret that a big part of why the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man was brought to the club was to win their first Champions League trophy and now he has at least another two years to get the job done.
Following an official announcement on the club site, the 51-year-old shared this video message to fans, quipping: “I know you want to get rid of me, but I stay two more years”.
Guardiola went on to insist, “from day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place”, adding that even beyond his tenure, “the next chapter of this club will be amazing for the next decade… it will happen in the next ten years because this club is so stable.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Club Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also expressed his delight at the extension, stating that he is “delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City Football Club will continue”, as well as remarking that “he has already contributed so much to the success and fabric of this organisation”.
He went on to conclude that thanks to Pep, the “City style of football is admired the world over” and, “like every City fan, [he is] looking forward to what lies ahead.”
City currently sit second in the Premier League behind Arsenal, who have been absolutely flying under the tutelage of Pep‘s former right-hand man, Mikel Arteta. However, they still remain heavy favourites to lift their fifth title in six seasons.
As detailed in the club statement, the revolutionary coach has won 271 of the 374 matches he has overseen, boasting a remarkable win percentage of 72.4%, not to mention a total of 921 goals – an average of 2.46 goals per game.
We’re sure Blues will be looking forward to more of the same in the coming years.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
23rd November 2022 
