England manager Thomas Tuchel has described outgoing Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola as "one of a kind" following the confirmation of his departure from the club on Friday, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year tenure.
Guardiola's Trophy Haul at City
The 55-year-old Spaniard leaves the Etihad Stadium with an extraordinary 20 trophies to his name, including six Premier League titles and a coveted Champions League crown. Prior to his appointment at City in 2016, Guardiola enjoyed hugely successful spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Tuchel's Tribute
Speaking at the England World Cup squad announcement, Tuchel highlighted Guardiola's transformative influence across European football. "The impact he had on every league where he trained is just one of a kind, just one of the very, very, very best," said the German. "He made a big revolution with the way he played at Barcelona and then he put everything upside down in the German league, and then he comes here and crushes every record. It's just outstanding. There are no words that can describe this determination and this level of input; it's just the highest, highest level."
Fans and Players React
Among those paying tribute was Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, a prominent City supporter, who posted on X: "He came, he conquered, long live the king. Thank you for the good times, Pep." Former City defender Micah Richards described Guardiola as "the greatest manager of the modern era" in his BBC Sport column, adding: "This is the moment Manchester City have been dreading, but the whole of English football is going to miss Pep Guardiola too. He's a true legend of the game, and I am gutted he is going. The Premier League just won't be the same without him."
International Acclaim
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick called Guardiola the "best coach in the world" and expressed hope he would return to the game soon. "Pep is incredible, 10 years at that level. He's proven it year after year, even when things weren't going well, he knew how to manage the situation. He always finds a solution to improve, you can see it in the titles he's won. He's exceptional. I wish him a good rest, but I hope he comes back because he's young." Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is also leaving his post this summer, said Guardiola's impact was "phenomenal" and that he was "probably the best manager I have seen, and I have played against as a player and a coach. His legacy is there and I wish him all the best for whatever is the next stage."
