Pep Guardiola To Leave Manchester City After Historic Ten-Year Reign
Sports Updated: 22 May 2026 14:48 EAT
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Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025–26 season, bringing to a close one of the most successful managerial eras in modern football. His final match in charge is expected to be the club’s last Premier League fixture of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
The announcement ends long-running speculation over his future, with reports indicating that the decision was communicated internally to players and staff before being made public. Guardiola is understood to have chosen to step down despite still having time remaining on his contract.
The Spaniard leaves Manchester City after a decade in charge that began in 2016, when he arrived from Bayern Munich. Since then, he has transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football.
During his tenure, Guardiola guided City to around 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023.
One of the defining moments of his reign came in the 2022–23 season, when Manchester City completed a historic continental treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same campaign.
Under his leadership, City also broke multiple records, including becoming the first English club to win four consecutive Premier League titles and reaching the 100-point mark in a single league season.
Guardiola’s influence extended beyond trophies, as he introduced a highly structured possession-based style of play that reshaped modern football in England. His tactical innovations set new standards for control, pressing, and positional play.
His system helped elevate several players into world-class status, with key figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Rodri thriving under his management.
Rival clubs across the Premier League were also forced to adapt tactically in response to City’s sustained dominance during his reign.
Manchester City became one of Europe’s most consistent teams under Guardiola, regularly competing deep into the UEFA Champions League and maintaining domestic superiority over multiple seasons.
The club is now expected to begin a transition period ahead of next season, with early indications that internal candidates and former assistants could be considered for the managerial role.
Guardiola’s departure is expected to be marked with major tributes from the club and supporters at the Etihad Stadium, recognising his contribution to the most successful period in Manchester City’s history.
He leaves not only as the club’s greatest manager, but also as one of the most influential figures in modern football, having redefined tactical standards and sustained excellence at the highest level for an entire decade.
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FELIX MAKONA
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