After 10 seasons in charge of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola will leave the English club this summer. The Catalan coach is closing one of the most significant chapters in the recent history of European football.
An official announcement that marks the end of an era.
Manchester City have officially announced that Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the 2025-2026 season. Having arrived in July 2016, the Spanish manager will have spent ten seasons at the helm of the Citizens, a rare feat at the highest level of European football. The English club emphasizes that he will remain the most successful manager in its history, having won 20 major trophies during his tenure. In a video released by the club, Guardiola explained his decision emotionally, without mentioning any rift with the board or the players. He simply stated that he felt the time was right to leave, declaring in particular: "I know it's my time."
10 years of domination in England
Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, Manchester City has reached new heights. Since 2016, the Manchester club has won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and one Champions League, according to a detailed report by Reuters. His team has made its mark on English football history with its possession-based style, intense pressing, and consistency. City notably achieved a 100-point season in the Premier League in 2017-2018, followed by a historic treble in 2022-2023, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The 2023 Champions League, the pinnacle of his tenure
The 2023 European triumph will remain one of the highlights of the Guardiola era at Manchester City. This Champions League victory allowed the club to win its first ever European Cup and complete the treble, a feat already achieved by Guardiola with FC Barcelona in 2009. This title also ended a long and agonizing wait for City, who had consistently performed well in the Premier League but had long been frustrated on the European stage.
A departure after a less dominant season
Guardiola's departure comes after a less dominant period for Manchester City in the league. Reuters points out that City have not won the Premier League in the last two seasons, after having long dominated the competition. Despite this, his record remains exceptional. In ten years, Guardiola established Manchester City as a benchmark of European football, both through the titles won and the playing style built around his principles.
Enzo Maresca mentioned as his successor
According to The GuardianManchester City have identified Enzo Maresca as a possible successor. The Italian is already familiar with the club's environment, having worked as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-2023 season. However, no transition can erase the legacy left by Guardiola. His departure marks the end of a sporting, tactical, and symbolic era at the Etihad Stadium.
