Pep Guardiola wishes NYCFC luck ahead of MLS Cup final

Pep Guardiola has wished New York City FC luck ahead of their MLS Cup final against Portland Timbers this weekend.

NYCFC are part of the City Football Group's global network of clubs, and they are playing in their first ever final since being formed back in 2013.

Speaking before Man City's game against Wolves on Saturday, Guardiola sent his best wishes to everyone in the Big Apple.

"This organization was built for that, and it’s good for this brand … for the city of New York and for the club," he said. "I wish [them], of course, on behalf of Manchester City, all the best. It’s part of our family and hopefully they can win the final."

The Spaniard's well wishes are perhaps no surprise as 90min revealed last week that Guardiola is set to take over at NYCFC when he departs Manchester. He has already ruled out taking over at another Premier League club when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2023 and has always spoken warmly about New York.

After leaving Barcelona in 2012 he spent a year in the city before joining Bayern Munich, and also recently backed a CFG scheme that led to more football pitches being built in New York.

NYCFC have a history of appointing managers who have previous experience within City Football Group too. Former managers Domenec Torrent and Patrick Vieira, as well as current boss Ronny Deila, all had existing relationships with the organization before taking over.

Guardiola has previously stated a desire to work in South America and at international level and it now looks likely that an MLS stint is on the cards too.

For now, the Spaniard is focussed on retaining the Premier League title with Man City. The Cityzens are currently top of a congested table, with Liverpool and Chelsea ready to capitalise on any slip ups.

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