Pep Guardiola says he plans to reach out to his Manchester City successor to share guidance after bringing his spell at the Etihad to an end on Sunday, closing a decade that reshaped the club’s standards and stature.
Key takeaways
- Guardiola intends to contact the next Manchester City manager to offer advice and encouragement.
- City finished Guardiola’s final home outing with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, though supporters remained upbeat.
- Enzo Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola and ex-Chelsea head coach, is reported to be the frontrunner to replace him.
- Guardiola leaves after winning multiple trophies, including the club’s Champions League triumph in 2023 and a domestic cup double this season.
- Bernardo Silva and John Stones received major recognition in their last appearances, with Silva being honoured by players from both teams.
Guardiola’s farewell and the message to his next man
In the aftermath of City’s defeat by Aston Villa, Guardiola outlined what he would tell the person taking over. He said he would phone the incoming manager once the club confirms the appointment, telling them to “be yourself” as he believes the organisation will back the new coach without conditions.
He added that the club’s culture needs to be safeguarded more than anywhere else, urging the successor to remain open to their own ideas, work hard, and trust that the right approach will lead to success.
Guardiola’s departure was confirmed on Friday, coming less than three days after City narrowly missed out on the Premier League crown to Arsenal.
A final season of trophies, plus tributes at the Etihad
Even with the title slipping away, Guardiola’s last season at City delivered silverware, including a League Cup and an FA Cup double. He also leaves behind a squad that, in the club’s view, remains well placed to contend for major honours following his move away from the Etihad.
Sunday’s homecoming began with a dramatic reception for Guardiola, featuring a large banner with his image and the words “Game changer. History maker. City forever.” Catalan flags were displayed behind one goal, while a newly named and expanded Pep Guardiola Stand was put into use for the first time.
Moments of celebration quickly turned emotional. The 55-year-old was moved to tears when Bernardo Silva received a guard of honour from both teams as he was substituted in the second half. Silva and John Stones, honoured in their final outings after long spells at the club, also received lengthy tributes during the evening.
Guardiola said he does not usually cry, but admitted that seeing Silva emotional made him do the same.
Trophies, future plans, and reported successor
Across their time together, Guardiola, Silva and Stones won six Premier League titles, along with the club’s only Champions League title in 2023. In total, Guardiola’s decade at City is associated with 20 trophies secured during his ten seasons at the club.
Earlier in the week, Guardiola said he has no plans to coach again in the near future, describing the prospect of taking a break after spending 17 seasons across three of Europe’s biggest clubs in the past 18 years.
He summed up his feelings by saying he is “so tired” and that he will not miss the job for a while. Guardiola stressed that his decision is the right one for Manchester City, thanking the club for showing respect throughout the process.
What’s next for Manchester City
With Guardiola now stepping away, reports indicate that one of his former assistants—Enzo Maresca, who previously led Chelsea—could be appointed to fill the “enormous shoes” left behind by the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.
Guardiola’s comments suggest he will still play a supportive role behind the scenes during the transition, even as his own coaching chapter at City comes to a close.
