According to a Daily Mail exclusive, the Catalan coach will stand down from his role as City boss at the end of the 2024/25 season.
1 February 2016 was a historic day in the recent history of Manchester City FC as it was the day Spanish coach Pep Guardiola put pen to paper as head coach ensuing the most successful period in the club’s history.
Six Premier League titles, two FA Cup triumphs are the major honours in that time under the coach from Santpedor who finally achieved the one title badly sought after trophy so desired by the ‘blue half’ of Manchester as his City side beat Inter 1-0 in 2023 to lift the Champions League.
After more than eight years in Manchester, according to a Daily Mail exclusive, Guardiola has decided to depart the Sky Blues when the 2024-25 season concludes next year despite the club set to do all they can to keep the Catalan coach at the Etihad stadium.
In a recent Sky Sports interview, Guardiola himself did allude to a City exit as he confessed: “The reality is that I am closer to leaving than staying. I already spoke with the club and told them that for now I want to stay. I will be here next season, then we will talk, but I have been here for eight or nine years… We will see.” The still Manchester City coach, aware of his contractual situation, left the door ajar.
Pep succession
Although 12 months is an eternity in modern football, if Guardiola does decide to depart, City will be quick to work on a succession plan and look for the ideal candidate to occupy the bench at one of the most successful Premier League sides in recent times.
Girona boss Michel seems to be an early front-runner with the former Huesca and Rayo Vallecano coach doing wonders this season and securing a first ever Champions League place for the Catalan side who are conveniently part of the every growing City Football Group empire.
Roberto de Zerbi has done a remarkable job with Brighton taking the Seagulls into Europe and despite a dip in his final months in the position, the Italian is highly regarded by Guardiola who will potentially have a string say in selecting his successor. Since the recent Chelsea exit of Mauricio Pochettino, the 44-year-old Brescia born De Zerbi is also being linked with the Stamford Bridge role.
Other high profile names being linked with a move to City at this very, very early stage include Zinedine Zidane, Xabi Alonso and Eddie Howe.
The 2024-25 season has yet to start and it’s already started to become intriguing.
joyeiktuz
1
manchester city is not easy
roucinruz
1
man City said they have started working on a new contract for pep n u all are here vomiting 🤢 rubbish 😂😂😂😂
They are going to give him an Island and two unreleased Rolls Royce A personal Jet or a Yacht and increase his salary 100% on the new contract we can afford it that’s nothing 😂💰💰💰
Vudbmopsuy
0
after pep leave, city 115 charges automatically coming 😂
You seem bothered and having sleepless nights
Vudbmopsuy
2
Even if Pep remains at City for another five years he will be closer to leaving than staying but all good things must come to an end thank you Pep for all the achievements at the club you have won them all and filled the cabinet at the Etihad what else can the owners players and fans request of you
Pepclrtyz
0
After Xavi's sabbatical, he should try out coaching Man City, what does he have to lose
loyiknprs
0
I wish Manchester City would appoint Erik Ten Hag
believe you me, if he gets the sack at Utd he'll at some point become a City coach
loyiknprs
2
eras come to an end he quits otherwise ETH will is ready to power away from them already Klop has quit the anfield dugout having foreseen Utd putting the right people on the vacant positions
Vudaeikyz
0
I wish Manchester City would appoint Erik Ten Hag
amron12
0
Pep is now planning for Worldcup with the country. He will have 1 year to train national team if he exit at 2025.
Sisckmpsu
6
man City said they have started working on a new contract for pep n u all are here vomiting 🤢 rubbish 😂😂😂😂
mio17
1
after pep leave, city 115 charges automatically coming 😂
GodFather88
6
None of the above.. should replace Pep with a better manager than him .. like Ronald Koeman.. or Simone Inzaghi..
BLKBtl
1
EPL will be back to normal next season
nuuemnpt
4
with Mancity's money, Arteta can be very successful as Pep's successor.
myclubliverpool
1
Soon to default mode.
jamdun009
3
Manchester City was on the Horizon then Pep has brought them to ELITE STATUS & if or when Pep Departs he will be Irreplaceable. I know Majority of EPL Managers will be Celebrating.[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]So let's Enjoy another Season or Seasons with the G.O.A.T at the Helm. CITY4LIFE
AladdynKing
2
I wish City would go for Arteta
Fapdemrtuy
2
I wish Zidane step in and prove himself at premiere league just like pep did when they said he can't win a spoon with his style of play in premier league when he was a barca coach but have already won over his premiere league coming daugters with 6 premiere league in 8 seasons Zidane too should go to premiere league to prove himself,, to prove he his not a coward as everyone saying rejecting every work afraid of challenges he should go and prove he his not a coward