Pep Guardiola offers unbeatable bet to journalist on Manchester City’s future manager

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola offered a bet to one journalist on Saturday evening over the future of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian coach made his first return to the Etihad Stadium after leaving the club in 2019 to pursue a career in coaching, receiving a standing ovation from an emotional Manchester City support in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final.

City however, made light work of the runaway Championship leaders on the pitch, booking their spot in a Wembley Stadium semi-final next month via a 6-0 rout and yet another Erling Haaland hat-trick.

The Norwegian’s treble was accompanied by a Julian Alvarez brace – just days after the Argentine penned a new and improved five-year deal with the Premier League champions – as well as a close-range finish from Cole Palmer.

Despite the scoreline, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley put up an admirable fight and showcased precisely why they are on the verge of returning to the Premier League ahead of next season, with their manager’s principles and philosophy clearly on show on Saturday evening.

Speaking after the contest against his former colleague and Manchester City captain, Pep Guardiola glowed with praise for Vincent Kompany, and reaffirmed that he is of the belief that the former Belgium international is a future Etihad Stadium manager in development.

“The reception (he got at the Etihad Stadium) shows how Vincent (Kompany) is in this Club, how he is in this institution. The people don’t chant his name or don’t make this welcome if you were not so important,” said Pep Guardiola during his post-match press conference.

“The job he has done so far in Burnley is really, really impressive. I admire the courage to come here, to make man-to-man, they had chances, and I had the same feeling after playing against his team, being there.”

Guardiola continued by proving his confidence in Vincent Kompany through the form of a bet to one assuming journalist in attendance.

“One day, he (Vincent Kompany) will be sitting here (as a manager), talking about representing Manchester City. It’s going to happen. I’ll bet you whatever you want. I will win the bet,” the 52 year-old boldly stated.

City now take a two-week break from club action as up to 20 of their first-team players now embark on international duties with their respective nations, with contests spread across the likes of friendly matches and UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Manchester City return to action on April 1st with a home Premier League encounter against rivals Liverpool, in the knowledge that only a win is acceptable with Arsenal having extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points this weekend.

The complete list of Manchester City players selected for international duty can be found below: