The End of an Illustrious Era

Pep Guardiola has officially declared that his ten-year tenure as the manager of Manchester City will come to an end following the completion of the 2025-26 Premier League season this weekend. The 55-year-old strategist arrived at the club in 2016, following successful managerial stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.


Throughout his decade with the Citizens, Guardiola transformed the club into a global powerhouse, securing 20 major trophies. His collection of honors includes six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a historic Champions League victory in 2023.


A Farewell Message to the Etihad Faithful

In his parting address to the supporters, Guardiola reflected on his decision to exit the club:

«Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.»

To honor his significant contributions, Manchester City management has revealed that the North Stand at Etihad Stadium will be renamed in his honor as “The Pep Guardiola Stand.” The club has also confirmed that a statue of the manager will be commissioned.


Defining a Legacy of Dominance

Since his arrival, Guardiola’s impact on the club has been profound. After a transitional first year in 2016-17, the manager ensured that the trophy cabinet was stocked every subsequent season. A defining moment of his tenure occurred during the 2022-23 season, when he guided the team to a historic treble, matching the elite feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single campaign.


Under his guidance, the club shattered numerous domestic records, particularly in the 2017-18 season, where the team set benchmarks for:

  • Total points accumulated (100)
  • Total goals scored (106)
  • Most league victories (32)
  • Most points earned away from home (50)
  • Largest goal difference (+79)

Guardiola concludes his final season having secured both the FA Cup and the League Cup, maintaining the club's high standards until the very end. Addressing the fans one last time, he emphasized the collective effort of his time in Manchester: “What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.”