Pep Guardiola has enjoyed numerous title celebrations during his time at Manchester City, but one particular story highlights his dedication to keeping the party going. After City clinched their first Premier League title under his management in 2018, Guardiola personally called the partner of a staff member to secure permission for another night out.
The 2018 Title Triumph
Manchester City secured the Premier League title with weeks to spare after rivals Manchester United lost to West Brom. Guardiola's side went on to set a record of 100 points, but the manager's relentless drive meant he still wanted the team to maintain high performance levels for remaining records. However, he also allowed players and staff to celebrate their achievement.
Party Continues Despite Records
According to a former staff member, Guardiola encouraged nights out even as City pursued records. The staff member told the Telegraph: "Even though Pep wanted all these records we'd still go out. He'd be like 'Right, Sunday, we've got a game but then Monday, Tuesday we'll go out'. It was every week."
By the time of the end-of-season parade, the staff member's partner had had enough. "My missus was like: 'You can't go out again, it's getting beyond a joke! You're out all the time.' And I'm like: 'But Pep's asking me to'," he recalled.
Guardiola's Intervention
During a pre-parade gathering in the canteen, Guardiola asked the staff member if he was going out that night. When he explained his partner's objection, Guardiola demanded he call her. The staff member described the scene: "Everyone was around us at the time. My missus answered. 'Hello, this is Pep.' She says: 'Who?' 'It's Pep Guardiola.' She's gone: 'All right, yeah, go on?' 'Listen, I know we've been out a lot recently but we've just won the Premier League. I'll have him home by two in the morning.' My missus just replies, 'One' and hits the red button. Everyone's there howling."
Guardiola's Legacy
Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of this season, having won six Premier League titles and a domestic cup double in his final campaign. This year marks the first time he has gone successive seasons without winning the league. On his decision to leave, he said: "I feel I would not have the energy [in the future] required to daily, every three days, to fight for the title, being in front of the players. After 10 years, it is good to shake, to move, different faces - it's really good for everyone."
