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Guardiola ends City reign
Pep Guardiola said he will be out of football “for a while” after Manchester City confirmed his departure on Friday, ending a decade that included 17 major trophies.
“Pep Guardiola said he will be out of football “for a while””
Guardiola said he is leaving because his energy levels are declining, and he told a news conference: “Rest. No plans to train for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back, I will not train for a while,” as his final game in charge comes against Aston Villa on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
City announced they will rename the Etihad Stadium’s extended North Stand in his honour, and the Pep Guardiola Stand is set to open on Sunday for Aston Villa’s visit in the season’s final game.
The BBC said Guardiola’s final game will be against Aston Villa on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, and it reported that a statue will be built and positioned on the approach to the stand.
The BBC also said Guardiola shared his decision with his squad on Friday morning, but admitted his speech “was a disaster,” adding that he was “so nervous, more than ever.”
Energy, emotion, and tributes
Guardiola told reporters: “It’s time,” describing his decision as a process he “felt for a while,” and he said he does not believe he will return quickly after taking a break.
The New York Times reported that Guardiola referenced Sunday’s opponents when he said “Aston Villa, guys, allez,” and it described how he spoke about phone calls from Kevin De Bruyne and a text from Sir Alex Ferguson.
The New York Times also quoted Guardiola saying, “Khaldoon called me this morning and said that the club took that decision, so, as I said, no words,” as he reacted to the stand naming and the prospect of his father attending at 94 years old.
ESPN said Guardiola confirmed on Friday that he will end his 10-year reign at the Etihad Stadium after Sunday’s final game of the season against Aston Villa, and it quoted him telling a news conference: “Now rest,” and “No plans to train for a while.”
The BBC added that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola at City, is the frontrunner to replace him, as City prepare for a new chapter after the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal as champions.
What comes next for City
Manchester City said Guardiola will continue his relationship with the club’s owners’ network by taking up an ambassadorial role with the City Football Group, and the BBC said he will begin that global ambassadorial role while offering technical advice to member clubs.
“Guardiola will begin a global ambassadorial role with the City Football Group”
The Guardian said Guardiola will take up an ambassadorial role within the City Football Group, and it reported that City will commission a statue placed on the approach to the stand in due course.
Sky Sports said Guardiola will leave Manchester City after Sunday’s final-day game against Aston Villa, and it reported that the club have commissioned a statue to mark his “incredible contribution during his 10 historic years.”
The Guardian reported that City’s North Stand naming is tied to Guardiola’s family, because it will carry the family name of his 94-year-old father, who will come on Sunday to watch the game.
The BBC said Guardiola’s exit comes three days after City were beaten to the 2025-26 Premier League title by Arsenal, and it noted that Guardiola will leave having led City to the FA Cup and League Cup in his final campaign.
