Will he leave in the middle of the judgment of the century? The curious request from City fans to Guardiola

As Manchester City continues to navigate the turbulent waters of a high-profile legal battle with the Premier League, fans have sent a clear message to their manager, Pep Guardiola: stay.

During today’s Premier League match against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, a significant banner was unfurled by a section of the home support. Written in Catalan, Guardiola’s native language, the message read: "Pep Guardiola, queremos que te quedis" (Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay). The banner also featured two esteladas, the flag of Catalonia.

The display of support came amidst the ongoing investigation into allegations that the club has committed serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The charges, which span several years, have cast a long shadow over the club and its supporters. However, the fans' message to Guardiola suggests that they remain unwavering in their support for the manager, regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Guardiola, who has transformed Manchester City into one of the dominant forces in English and European football, has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and there has been speculation that he may return to Barcelona or take up a new challenge elsewhere.

The fans’ plea for Guardiola to stay is a testament to the Spaniard’s popularity at the Etihad Stadium. Since his arrival in 2016, he has led the club to numerous trophies, including four Premier League titles. His possession-based style of play and his commitment to youth development have endeared him to the City faithful.

The timing of the fans’ message is significant, as it comes at a time when the club is facing its greatest challenge in recent years. The legal battle with the Premier League has created a sense of uncertainty at the Etihad Stadium, and the departure of Guardiola would be a further blow to the club’s supporters.

However, Guardiola has remained focused on the task at hand and has continued to deliver positive results on the pitch. The Catalan coach has repeatedly stated that he is happy at Manchester City, but he has also hinted that he may be ready for a new challenge.

As the legal proceedings against Manchester City continue, the club’s fans will be hoping that Guardiola decides to stay and lead them through this difficult period. The Spaniard’s presence would provide a much-needed sense of stability and continuity at the Etihad Stadium.