The most successful era in the history of Manchester City will come to an emotional end on Sunday after the club confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola will leave his role following the final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa.
Guardiola, who arrived at City in July 2016, will depart after a remarkable decade that transformed both the club and English football.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan coach won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first ever UEFA Champions League crown.
The 55-year-old confirmed that while he will step away from management duties, he will remain connected to the City Football Group as a Global Ambassador, a role that will involve technical advisory work and collaborations across clubs within the organisation.
His farewell message carried emotion, reflection and gratitude as he spoke directly to supporters and the city that became home over the last ten years.
“And what a time we have had together,” Guardiola said. 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.”
Pep Guardiola
The Spaniard also paid tribute to the people of Manchester and the support he received during some of the most difficult moments of his life. “ I remember losing my mum during COVID and this club carried me through it,” he revealed. “The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most.”
A Decade That Changed English Football
Guardiola’s influence at City stretched far beyond silverware. His arrival ushered in a period of domination rarely seen in English football as City redefined standards with their attacking style, relentless consistency and tactical innovation.
In the 2017/18 campaign, City became the first Premier League side to reach 100 points while also breaking records for most goals scored (106), biggest goal difference and most wins in a season.
A year later, Guardiola guided the club to an unprecedented domestic clean sweep of the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
The pinnacle of his reign came in 2022/23 when City secured a historic treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. They later added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first English club to claim all five major trophies within a calendar year.
Guardiola’s final season has also delivered silverware, with City lifting both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before his farewell match this weekend.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described Guardiola’s reign as an era that permanently changed the football club. “There have been points along the way when he could have stopped, and it would have been enough,” Khaldoon said. “Somehow, Pep always found new energy and pushed on, finding different and innovative ways to continue winning and delivering success.”
City Chief Executive Ferran Soriano also hailed Guardiola’s impact, insisting his achievements may never be repeated.
Ferran Soriano, City Chief Executive“Nobody would have believed, ten years ago, that we could win 20 trophies in this decade, playing entertaining football of such high quality. It was unthinkable… and yet it was done.”
Maresca Emerges As Favourite To Replace Guardiola
Attention is already beginning to shift toward Guardiola’s successor, with reports strongly linking former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to the vacancy.
Maresca previously worked under Guardiola as an assistant at City before moving into active first team management.
The Italian enjoyed success during his spell at Chelsea, leading the London side to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs before leaving the club by mutual consent in January this year.
His tactical philosophy and close relationship with Guardiola are believed to make him the preferred candidate to continue City’s footballing identity.
For Guardiola, however, Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa will be about saying goodbye to the supporters who embraced him for a decade.
“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.”
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola will take charge of his 593rd and final match as Manchester City manager knowing he leaves behind a legacy unmatched in the club’s history and one that reshaped the modern English game forever.
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