Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola extended a heartfelt message to Erik ten Hag after the former Manchester United manager’s recent departure. Ten Hag, dismissed on Monday after a tough season with just four wins in fourteen games, left United sitting in a surprising 14th place in the Premier League.
With names like Ruben Amorim already floating around as potential successors, Guardiola took a moment to express empathy for his former rival, with whom he’s shared some intense matchups over the past two years.
“I’m so sorry for him,” Guardiola shared in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “We had an incredible relationship, and I think he represented Man United with the highest level of class.”
The City boss went on, highlighting the unique pressure managers face: “Our job is one of the few where people almost expect you to be sacked. You don’t see architects, doctors, or teachers getting dismissed with such regularity. But for us, it’s just part of the job.”
Ten Hag’s last game, a tough defeat to West Ham, marked the end of his journey with United. Guardiola, however, believes the Dutch manager will bounce back. “I wish him and his family the best. He’ll come back stronger. He knows, I know, we all know that this job depends on results. When they aren’t good enough, it’s often a matter of time.”
Despite the ups and downs, Ten Hag did have memorable moments, most notably beating City 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup final, thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. However, Manchester has been dominated by City in recent seasons, with Guardiola’s side chasing yet another title while United’s hopes of contention seem out of reach.
Ten Hag’s era at United may ultimately be remembered for his two cup wins — the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. United now look to reset, with a crucial Premier League clash against an in-form Chelsea at Old Trafford on the horizon, as they aim to turn the season around under new guidance.
