MANSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Oliver Reiss, the Manchester City under 21 head coach, looks on during the Vertu Trophy match between Mansfield Town and Manchester City U21 at the One Call Stadium on August 19, 2026 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
MANSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Oliver Reiss, the Manchester City under 21 head coach, looks on during the Vertu Trophy match between Mansfield Town and Manchester City U21 at the One Call Stadium on August 19, 2026 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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Oli Reiss could hardly have been happier as he stood on the Manchester City bus heading through the city centre for Pep Guardiola's big farewell. The Under-18s boss had won a final at the third time of asking, beating United to win the FA Youth Cup, and now had a front row seat to see one of the greatest managers of all time get an almighty send-off from thousands of adoring fans.
"Seeing him on the bus, being emotional between standing there alone, thinking by himself, enjoying every emotion," Reiss recalls. "It was something special. And then we came into the Co-Op and I was expecting something but honestly it was like a concert. I couldn't believe what was happening, it was just crazy.
"For the players, what an experience. The way they celebrated. I was not really able to have a proper interview because at my back they were celebrating the trophy with the crowd. I wanted to turn and say 'Teddie (Lamb) please calm down I have an interview,' but they were excited."