Pep Guardiola announced on Friday that he will be stepping down after 10 seasons as Manchester City manager following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season this weekend.
Guardiola, 55, joined Manchester City in 2016 after managing Barcelona and Bayern Munich from 2008-2016. In 10 seasons with the Blues, he led them to 20 major trophies, which includes six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2023 Champions League title.
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“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving,” said Guardiola in a farewell message to fans. “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.”
Following the news of Guardiola’s departure, Manchester City announced that the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be named “The Pep Guardiola Stand,” which will be open for the club’s final game of the season on Sunday against Aston Villa, as well as the commissioning of a statue.
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The only season Guardiola would not lead Manchester City to silverware was his first in 2016-17. In each of the following seasons, the team would win at least two trophies, highlighted by the 2022-23 season when they became the second English team ever to achieve the treble of winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
The 2017-18 side accumulated Premier League records of points (100), goals scored (106), most wins (32), most away points (50) and biggest goal difference (+79).
In his final season as boss, Guardiola led Manchester City to a second-place finish in the Premier League and two final trophies in the FA Cup and League Cup.
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“What we have done, we have done it for all of you,” Guardiola said. “And you have been just exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.”
