The Spaniard has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history since he was appointed in the summer of 2016, and fans can look forward to two more years of Pep after this season after his decision to extend recently.
But even the greats get things wrong from time to time, and currently, a decision Guardiola made in 2023 is coming under the microscope.
And that decision, was convincing Kyle Walker not to make a move to Bayern Munich, with the full-back then extending his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Walker continued his error-strewn season yesterday against Crystal Palace, and it’s actually now getting to the point where fans feel sorry for the captain.
Pep Guardiola had a shocker over 2023 Kyle Walker decision
Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland of Manchester City interact after Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during ...
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Manchester City had just won the Treble and that summer, there was a lot of speculation around Kyle Walker’s future.
The England international had been one of the weaker performers for City in what was a hugely successful season for the club. But he still had interest from Bayern Munich.
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At one stage, it looked like Walker was going to make the move to Bayern.
But an intervention from Guardiola saw Walker snub the move to Germany, and he ended up signing an extension at City. He also then assumed the captaincy after a player vote, following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, who has since returned of course.
Pretty much since Walker’s decision stay, his form has taken a nosedive.
The 34-year-old has lost a year of pace, which was always his saving grace. This term, we’ve seen him lose footraces a number of times to the likes of Ola Aina, Antoine Semeyo, Adama Traore and Timo Werner.
£50 million signing Walker has been all over the place positionally, which was on show again against Palace as he played Daniel Munoz onside for the opening goal.
Jamie Carragher recently suggested Walker has become a liability for Manchester City, and it’s difficult to argue with that verdict.
Gary Neville also suggested it may be time for Walker to find a new club, amid his decline.
Could Kyle Walker leave Man City next summer?
Walker’s alarming decline seemingly hasn’t gone noticed by City.
It was reported in October that City are ready to allow Walker to leave for around £15 million, and we’ve since had suggestions that Jeremie Frimpong might be a player of interest.
Pedro Porro is arguably the top right-back in the Premier League at the moment and he’s also someone who’s been loosely linked with a move to City in recent months.
Kyle Walker for Man City (2017-present)
Appearances – 314
Goals – 6
Assists – 23
Trophies won – 17
City fans urged Sheffield United to sign Walker following a recent report the Blades could be interested in their former player, and it’s hard to vouch for him staying beyond next summer.
We seem to be talking about him after every game City player these days and that is a sure-fire sign that his time is running out.
And the writing has genuinely been on the wall for a long time now.
Some will point to the decision not to start a holding midfielder in the 2021 Champions League final as one of the worst calls Guardiola has made as Manchester City manager. But certainly, the decision to convince Walker to stay at the club in 2023 runs that one very close.
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