Ex-PL club chief predicts where Pep Guardiola's next job after Manchester City exit

Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City

(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 25 May 2026 9:15, UK

Pep Guardiola could return to football in international management or in a behind-the-scenes role following his Manchester City departure.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who does not expect Guardiola to be out of the game for long.

Guardiola said farewell to Man City after their final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa, which ended his 10-year stay at the Etihad.

The Spaniard will have the North Stand renamed in his honour, whilst the club have also commissioned a statue to place outside the stadium.

Man City are now looking to replace Guardiola this summer, which will be a considerably tough task following the legacy that the 55-year-old will leave behind at the club.

👔 Man City Manager News 👔

Get the inside track on the Etihad dugout with real-time updates on shortlist candidates and technical leadership strategy.

VISIT THE MANAGER HUB

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Pep Guardiola ‘going back to Spain’ after saying goodbye to Man City

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Guardiola will only take a “small break” from football before making a return.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Guardiola has left Man City now for “personal reasons.”

Games Managed 593

Games Won 423

Games Drawn 77

Games Lost 93

Trophies Won 20

Pep Guardiola’s managerial stats at Manchester City in all competitions.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I did think for personal reasons he would be going back to Spain and this will be proven to be the case.

“Knowing Pep and observing him, it’ll be very, very hard for him to leave football alone, but he’ll probably be happy to have a small break.

“I would expect to see him either taking on an international position after a break or more of a technical role. A head of football operations of some other project type club is what I’m thinking.

“So that’s where I could see him going after he’s had a bit of a break.”

Man City plan contract talks with star

The future of midfielder Rodri has been speculated this season, with his contract at Man City expiring in 2027.

Real Madrid have been linked with signing the 29-year-old, who has been a pivotal player in the middle of the park for Man City under Guardiola.

Sources have told Football Insider that Man City are planning to extend Rodri’s time at the club by offering him a new contract, and to fend off Real Madrid’s interest.

Man City have already lost fellow midfielder Bernardo Silva, but they do not plan to lose Rodri this summer after Guardiola’s exit.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man City Insider Access

Get the full story from the Etihad Stadium and CFA with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Etihad Campus.

Read full news in source page