Pep Guardiola has stepped down as Man City manager after a decade
Catalan was given heartwarming sendoff after final game in charge against Aston Villa
Man City have agreed three-year deal in principle with Enzo Maresca to replace Guardiola
Manchester City’s now-former manager Pep Guardiola initially intended to remain at the club until one remarkable achievement was made a reality, it has been suggested.
Guardiola has stepped down as Manchester City manager after an illustrious, trophy-laden decade that saw him win six Premier League titles, a maiden UEFA Champions League title for the Blues as well as a historic treble.
The 55-year-old had another year on his contract but admitted he was running out of energy, having still led City to a FA Cup and Carabao Cup double in his final season at the Etihad Stadium.
Could Guardiola have stuck around at Man City?
City have agreed a three year deal in principle with Enzo Maresa to succeed Guardiola, with the former City EDS and assistant coach returning to Manchester after being relieved of his duties as Chelsea manager on New Year’s Day.
However, in the weeks leading to the confirmation of Guardiola’s exit, there was belief at the club that the Catalan had fallen in love with his new-look side and could see out the final year of his deal.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal at City in November 2024, maintained in press conferences in the weeks and months leading to his departure that he was under contract and looking forward to working with his players next season.
Guardiola’s desire of winning 10 Premier League titles
They were the words of someone who many felt was still in a dilemma over his plans, with Manchester City at a nascent stage of their transition under sporting director Hugo Viana, whose January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi were crucial to the Blues’ title charge against eventual champions Arsenal.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, one source close to a ‘key player’ of the Guardiola era at the Etihad Stadium has stated that the manager had originally intended, a couple of years ago, to stay at Manchester City until he won 10 Premier League titles.
It is suggested that the personal aim of the 55-year-old was partly due to his love of sports in the United States and milestones, as well as the task seeming like a reasonable aim to him until the crash in performances during the 2024-25 season.