City’s European quest were systematically dismantled by Real Madrid on Tuesday night, leaving Guardiola to face intense questions about his longevity in the blue half of Manchester. The 55-year-old cut a frustrated figure as a Vinicius Jr brace helped Los Blancos seal a 5-1 aggregate win in the round of 16 tie.
Reflecting on the pressure and the constant chatter regarding his departure, Guardiola provided a blunt response to the media. “Everybody wants to fire me,” Guardiola said. “One day I will come out here and say ‘bye, bye guys’.” After a decade at the helm, the 55-year-old remains under contract until 2027, but the manner of their European exit has only heightened speculation that he could walk away earlier than planned.