Bookies still backing Pep to turn things around at Man City

Pep Guardiola is in worryingly unfamiliar territory right now. Only once before in his managerial career has he been 10 points behind the league leaders.

Looking up at four teams in the table is also something Pep has rarely done. But a 4-0 defeat (his biggest ever domestically) at the hands of Everton has ensured that’ll be the case for at least another week.

It’s also City’s worst defensive record since the 2009-10 campaign, with Guardiola’s men already conceding more goals (26) than his Bayern Munich team managed in their last three full seasons.

However, despite all the negativity currently surrounding his Manchester City side, our traders still reckon the former Barcelona boss can turn things around at the Etihad before he calls it a day.

In fact, we’re going just 9/4 that he wins a trophy in his debut season with the Citizens. That’s despite his side already being out of the EFL Cup and a huge 14/1 shot for the league title.

Meanwhile, despite many already speculating over his future, it’s just 1/3 for the Spaniard to remain in charge of the two-time Premier League champions come the opening day of the 2017-18 campaign.

And although Guardiola spoke of his intention to call time on his managerial career sooner rather than later, we reckon it’s unlikely he’ll be retiring any time soon, with 16/1 on offer for such an announcement to come at the end of this season.

Guardiola will have it all to do though if he’s to turn City’s fortunes round immediately, as they face an in-form Tottenham Hotspur side next in the league. Failure to win that could see the Citizens not only 13 points off league leaders Chelsea, but potentially five points adrift of the top four.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes News said: “While it may be fashionable to stick the boot into Man City, the odds on Pep being successful in the long-run are still very much in his favour.”

Ladbrokes Latest Betting

Pep Guardiola Specials:

Will Guardiola be in charge on opening day of next season?

Yes – 1/3

No – 11/5

To win any trophy this season – 9/4

To announce retirement at end of season – 16/1

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing