Pep Guardiola has expressed that he values the cherished memories of his remarkable tenure as Manchester City manager more than any permanent tributes at the Etihad Stadium. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed on Monday that Guardiola will step down after Sunday's final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa.
Guardiola's Perspective on Tributes
City is set to unveil their expanded North Stand during the Villa game, with some fans hoping it will bear Guardiola's name. However, the Catalan coach, who needs a victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday to keep pressure on Arsenal, believes individual moments will resonate longer than any honour. 'The club don't have to do anything, honestly,' Guardiola said, though he has yet to officially confirm his departure. 'The important thing in our lives is that when you look back, you can look with a big smile and say "that was good". Bernardo (Silva) and John (Stones) can feel that. We spoke about it over the last few days. When you're old, a grandfather, you can look at the memories. That is the most important thing in life.'
Addressing Contractual Speculation
Tired of questions about his contract, Guardiola added with sarcasm: 'Whatever happens at the end of the season – and when I extend my contract for three more years – I can look back and say, "how nice has that been?" That is the most important thing by far. Most of the people who lived this time here together can feel it.'
Preparing for Bournemouth Clash
Guardiola compared heading to the Vitality Stadium for Andoni Iraola's final match in charge to a dentist appointment. Bournemouth can still qualify for the Champions League, and Guardiola is wary of a team unbeaten since early January. 'They don't let you breathe,' he added. 'With 10 days to prepare for the game, I expect a more intense, aggressive and demanding team. And then you have to be smart to read what you have to do. It's a final. We are tired, yes. But the human being has an incredible ability to, when you are completely, completely dead, if (your mind) is in the right spot, you do an extra run, an extra focus. I'm pretty sure in the last two games, the players will give everything.'
Final Push for the Title
Guardiola has urged his players to seize the moment and leave nothing behind in their quest to overtake Arsenal. City have won three league titles (2019, 2022, and 2024) on the last day under the 55-year-old. 'I prefer it to be in our control,' he said. 'But you never know. The important thing is to be there. I remember Johan Cruyff before (similar) games (at Barcelona) said "win our games, it's not in our hands." We cannot lose the Premier League because they don't win and we don't win. That just cannot happen. We have to. Let's win the game to arrive at the last chance and after that, guys, win our game. After that, it's not in our control. Wait.'
