End of Guardiola Era at Man City Soccer

[BlackEyed Pete]

Pep Guardiola will leave his role as Manchester City manager this summer, ending one of the most successful tenures in Premier League history, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expected to replace him.

Multiple sources briefed on the situation say Guardiola is preparing to depart City at the end of a season in which his side has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with Saturday's triumph over Chelsea securing a 20th major trophy for the 55-year-old during 10 years at the Etihad.

Maresca is now expected to take over at City, who may yet win this season's Premier League, four months after his exit from Chelsea.

Guardiola's City contract had been due to run until June 2027, having last signed fresh terms in November 2024. Amid continued speculation in recent months the club's position has consistently been that he has one more year on his deal and they have always been hopeful he will stay.

City have two games of the campaign remaining, against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and these will now mark the final matches of a glorious reign in which the Catalan has guided City to six Premier League titles and their first Champions League triumph, in 2023.

The home match against Aston Villa on May 24 - which could see them clinch the title if they can overturn leaders Arsenal's two-point advantage - would be the last of Guardiola's record-setting tenure as City manager.

Guardiola had shut down questions over his future in the build up to and aftermath of Saturday's FA Cup final. "One more year of contract," he replied when asked during his pre-match press conference if the cup final would be his final trip to Wembley as City manager.

"Rumours?," he responded, when asked about his future by TNT Sports after the game. He then made a hasty exit and added: "Have a lovely evening,"

 

[BlackEyed Pete]

Pep in numbers

Six of Guardiola's trophies at City have been the league title, including four in a row from 2020-21 to 2023-24 - the only time in the entire history of the English top flight (1888-89 onwards) that this has been achieved.

Manager	Club/Clubs	First	Last	Titles
Alex Ferguson	Manchester United	1992-93	2012-13	13
Pep Guardiola	Manchester City	2017-18	2023-24	6
Bob Paisley	Liverpool	1975-76	1982-83	6
George Ramsay	Aston Villa	1893-94	1909-10	6
Matt Busby	Manchester United	1951-52	1966-67	5
Tom Watson	Sunderland (3) & Liverpool (2)	1891-92	1905-06	5

In the third of those seasons, 2022-23, Guardiola finally delivered the Champions League to the Etihad Stadium - fulfilling what had been the club's dream since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.

As well as the Premier League and the Champions League, City also won the FA Cup in that campaign - becoming the second English club to achieve the European treble after Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in 1998-99.

Guardiola also won the treble at Barcelona, making him one of just two managers to attain European club football's holy grail twice.

Overall, though, it is in the Premier League where Guardiola has made his biggest impact at City, ripping up the record books across his decade in Manchester - most notably the 100-point season in 2017-18.

In total, four of the 11-best points totals in a 38-game Premier League season have been achieved by the Spaniard at City.

 

[BlackEyed Pete]

One of the best coaches the PL has seen. Besides football, a gentleman who cares for others. He will be missed. Because of him, I slightly like City. Wishing him the best on his next chapter.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Great manager and an absolute game changer, and will be sorely missed.

I'm not sure if Enzo Maresca is the answer, but I don't think he did too badly at Chelsea (in the beginning).

Is there a danger the City could go the same way as United when Fergie left?

 

[Dylan]

Is there a danger the City could go the same way as United when Fergie left?

Tough act too follow, for sure. There is also the looming 115 charges case. City could be out of the title picture for some time depending how that goes.

 

[Bandit]

Brilliant manager no doubt but an aggregate of one CL win with a great Bayern team and then City with unlimited money is underwhelming.

Tough job for anyone to walk into. There's work to be done there, City have looked a fair bit off it last few months and not been great most of the season, although the blank chequebook helps.

 

[Scotty G]

Great manager. He'll probably take a year away then I think he will manage a national team - I can't see the likes of managing in Italy or France appealing to him too much.

Is there a danger the City could go the same way as United when Fergie left?

I think this will be the case. The ideal candidate for City would be, in my opinion, Luis Enrique but I don't think he will be leaving PSG any time soon.

 

[Black Sheep]

Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will part ways with the club at the end of the season, wrapping up an incredible ten-year journey. Guardiola has been a pivotal figure in transforming City into a football powerhouse, leading them to numerous trophies and establishing a unique style of play that has captivated fans.

A Decade of Success
During his time at the helm, Guardiola has overseen a phenomenal period for the club. Here are some highlights of his tenure:

• Multiple Premier League titles, including record-breaking seasons
• FA Cup victories
• A memorable run in the UEFA Champions League
• A reputation for developing young talent and introducing innovative tactics

His ability to adapt and evolve the team has not only brought silverware but also an enjoyable brand of football that has set the standard in the league.

Despite his departure as Manager of Manchester City, Pep will continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador. The role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations.

"When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, 'Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,'" Guardiola said.

"And what a time we have had together. Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.

"This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.

"We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.

"Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.

"Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.

"Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.

"Players don't forget - every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don't know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.

"So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me.

"Thank you for pushing me.

"Thank you for loving me.

"Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I'm sorry, Tony: this is my place.

"Noel…I was right.

"It has been so f****** fun.

"Love you all."