Guardiola is yet to agree an extension to his existing deal which runs out at the end of the 2020/21 season, though he insists he is happy to remain in position.
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The 49-year-old is in his fifth campaign at the Club – the longest spell of his managerial career – but feels he must demonstrate he can maintain the success of previous seasons in order to earn a new contract.
“I would love to stay longer here,” he said ahead of City’s Premier League opener against Wolves.
“It is a place I love to be, but I have to deserve. In the last decade, they have maintained standards and I have to maintain it.
“To extend the contract I have to deserve it and we are going to see if I deserve it this season, in terms of how the team goes forward and improves.”
The requirement of success is a demand Guardiola is placing on himself, with the City boss revealing the Club have not stipulated that he must win trophies if he is to remain in charge next season.
“We didn’t speak about these terms,” he explained.
“They haven’t pushed anything since day one. They allow me to do my job as best as I can with my staff and players and this is going to continue.
“They didn’t tell me when what I have to win - they told me to play. I know the standards of this club, and I have to win and deserve to extend my contract. It depends on the success.”
With his focus on a particularly hectic new campaign, Guardiola is relaxed about initiating negotiations over a new deal and has not specified a date by which he wants his future determined.
He is in regular contact with the Club’s hierarchy and is comfortable waiting for an appropriate moment to begin discussions.
“We have a game every three days, so we don’t have much time to think about it,” he added.
“I try to be honest with myself, the organisation and the club. I see Txiki [Begiristain] and Ferran [Soriano] and speak each week with Khaldoon [Al Mubarak].
“When it has to happen, it is going to happen. Right now, we have other business.”
Guardiola’s immediate concern is Monday’s game against Wolves, a side who beat City home and away in the Premier League last season.
The Molineux clash will be the first time he has entered a fifth campaign at the helm of a club, having called time on his Barcelona and Bayern Munich careers after four and three years respectively.
It is unchartered territory for the boss, who is adamant his passion for the role has not waned as the years have passed.
“I would not be here if I still didn’t feel the fire or the desire to play good, to help the players,” said Pep.
“Still I have the passion to do it, maybe more than ever. I want to try and work together to do a good season.”
