Manchester City have officially announced that Pep Guardiola will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year reign. The Catalan tactician will oversee his final match in charge against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Guardiola addressed the decision with characteristic emotional depth, telling supporters: "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." He informed the playing squad of his choice on Monday evening.
Under his stewardship, City claimed 17 major honours, including a dominant era of Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups, though the elusive Champions League triumph remained just out of reach during his tenure. This season, Guardiola added the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to his haul, but saw Arsenal pip them to the league title following a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old reflected on the city's ethos and how it shaped his philosophy: "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."
Guardiola also paid homage to Manchester's music scene, referencing his first interview with Oasis legend Noel Gallagher. "When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking: 'OK … Noel is here? This will be fun.' And what a time we have had together."
City have already moved to secure a successor, with Enzo Maresca agreeing in principle to a three-year contract. Maresca, who served as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 campaign, had been out of work since leaving Chelsea on New Year's Day. Chelsea are set to receive substantial compensation due to the remainder of his contract, which included a club option for an additional year.
Maresca's return to the Etihad signals a desire for continuity, though he will face the immense challenge of following the most successful manager in the club's history. His familiarity with the squad and City's footballing culture could ease the transition, but replicating Guardiola's trophy haul will be a daunting task.
Guardiola will not sever ties completely; he is set to become a global ambassador for the City Football Group, providing technical advice to clubs within the network and working on specific projects. This role hints at a strategic shift as the group looks to leverage his genius across its growing portfolio.
Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak lauded Guardiola's relentless drive: "There have been points along the way when he could have stopped, and it would have been enough. Somehow, Pep always found new energy and pushed on, finding different and innovative ways to continue winning and delivering success."
As the curtain falls on a decade of dominance, Guardiola's departure marks not just the end of an era for Manchester City but a seismic shift in the Premier League landscape. The league loses one of its greatest innovators, while City must navigate a future without the man who redefined their identity.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
