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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Pep Guardiola makes decision on Man City future after agonising Champions League exit

Manchester City's agonising Champions League exit to Real Madrid has strengthened Pep Guardiola's resolve to deliver the club the iconic trophy.

City were stunned by Madrid, who subjected Guardiola and his players to their most shattering defeat with another epic late comeback in the Bernabeu.

Despite his anguish at going out when a place in the final was within City's grasp, Guardiola is said to be even more determined to lift the trophy.

To underline that commitment, the 51-year-old coach is understood to be ready to sign a contract extension that will keep him at City until 2025.

City lost 6-5 on aggregate after conceding twice in 91 seconds, before a Karim Benzema penalty in extra-time saw the Blues dumped out.

Guardiola was left stunned by City's loss (REUTERS)

The crushing defeat means Guardiola has still not landed European club football's elite prize in six attempts since taking charge at City in 2016.

Guardiola's latest failure has led to suggestions the Spaniard could decide to end his time at City at the end of next season, when his current deal expires.

But Guardiola is excited to work with Europe's striker sensation Erling Haaland, who is expected to join the club this summer from Borussia Dortmund in a £63million deal.

Guardiola is convinced Haaland can make all the difference when it comes to conquering Europe, with City having squandered a host of chances to effectively kill the tie in the first leg at the Etihad.

Having won the Champions League twice as a coach with Barcelona, Guardiola has not lifted the trophy since 2011, coming up short at Bayern Munich and now City.

But Guardiola feels he has unfinished business with the competition, although his immediate focus is ensuring City edge out Champions League finalists Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

City are one point ahead of Liverpool in the title race, but could trail Jurgen Klopp's men before kick-off against Newcastle on Sunday, should their rivals beat Tottenham at Anfield 24 hours earlier.

Guardiola knows his side must bounce back from their European heartache and ensure they win the title to have something to show from another epic season.

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