City Chairman Reveals Guardiola Nearly Resigned Over a Decade of Leadership

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak disclosed that Pep Guardiola considered quitting on numerous occasions—approximately a hundred times—before ultimately stepping down at the end of the season.

Guardiola’s resignation follows a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium, during which he secured six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.

Al Mubarak said the Spanish coach had contemplated resigning during challenging periods, but the chairman consistently persuaded him to remain until the right moment arrived.

“In the last ten years we have experienced many highs and some lows, and in the lows he must have thought of quitting about a hundred times,” Al Mubarak told City’s media channels. “When Pep says he’s quitting, it’s not literal; we manage it.”

Al Mubarak added that he would always offer Guardiola a chance to return, only accepting his decision when it was truly the appropriate time.

Guardiola completed his tenure having amassed 20 trophies for City, including the FA Cup and League Cup during his final season.

The 55‑year‑old cited a lack of energy to propel the club forward as the reason for his departure.

Following a two‑year title drought and a seven‑point gap behind champions Arsenal this campaign, City’s performance has faced scrutiny. Al Mubarak countered, “We are far from peaked. Winning is ingrained in our DNA, and we will return stronger next year with new signings.”

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to take over as Guardiola’s successor. Maresca won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea and served as Guardiola’s assistant for the 2022‑23 season.

When asked about the succession process, Al Mubarak said: “We have followed a thorough, structured procedure, and the team, as well as I, are confident we will appoint the right manager. Please be patient; we will soon announce a choice that reflects our goal to secure the best possible leadership.”

Source link