“Pep Guardiola Rumored to Depart Manchester City for Personal Reasons as Season Nears End”
After nine years at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s reign might be coming to an end this season, with reports suggesting personal reasons are a key factor in his potential departure. The 53-year-old has yet to reveal his plans beyond the season’s end, with his current contract expiring in June. Despite having led City to six Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, and four Carabao Cups, Guardiola’s future remains uncertain.
During the summer, the Football Association reportedly reached out to Guardiola about the England manager role as they prepared for Gareth Southgate’s potential exit. When questioned about it, Guardiola was quick to dismiss any speculation, pointing out that Thomas Tuchel had already taken the job. “Thomas Tuchel is the manager, so forget about it,” he said. “[I’m the manager of Manchester City, so the conversations I have are about Manchester City. This is what it is.]”
The recent departure of City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who has been a close friend and partner of Guardiola since their time at Barcelona, has fueled rumors about Guardiola’s exit. Guillem Balague, Guardiola’s biographer, shared on BBC Radio 5 Live that several personal factors may be weighing on him, including back surgery last year and limited time with his family. Guardiola’s wife, Cristina Serra, divides her time between Manchester and elsewhere, and one of their daughters lives in London.
This is Guardiola’s longest tenure at any club, surpassing the three years he spent at Bayern Munich and the four at Barcelona. Now in his ninth season with City, the timing of his departure could coincide with Jurgen Klopp‘s recent farewell to Liverpool, potentially setting the stage for a similar exit.
Guardiola addressed the situation with a hint of ambiguity, suggesting the club would be well-prepared for life without him. “I’m pretty sure the club had options when Txiki leaves, and they have options when Pep will leave,” he remarked. “[Sooner or later it is going to happen, and they are prepared so it’s not going to be a surprise… I want to be convinced it’s what’s best for the club.]”
He emphasized that he would never let his own situation disrupt the club’s stability. “If I feel I’m a problem for the club, I will take a decision as quickly as possible. But I don’t have that feeling, they understand the reasons I have. That’s why Wolves is the priority.”
When asked lightheartedly what might tip the scales in his decision, Guardiola quipped, “[The weather. I’m waiting for it to change, and after I will take a decision.]”
Former City defender Nedum Onuoha has also weighed in, predicting Guardiola’s exit: “I don’t expect him to stay… He’s been remarkable but he can’t do the job forever. He’ll want to leave the club in a good place for the long term… He’ll know who he thinks is best to work in the environment that is needed at City to be successful going forward.”
