Outgoing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has declared his unwavering trust in the club's hierarchy as they face more than 115 charges of alleged financial impropriety. Guardiola will leave the Etihad Stadium after a trophy-laden decade in charge, following the final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa.
Guardiola's Final Stand
Speaking ahead of his departure, Guardiola insisted the club had his full backing. "There will be a resolution," he stated. "I trust them, I trust them. Because I spoke with them and I trust how they behave and how they did." The charges, brought by the Premier League, relate to historical financial matters that predate Guardiola's tenure. "None of the staff, of the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager were here. So it's a long, long time ago. And I trust the club," he added.
A Decade of Dominance
Guardiola's 10-year reign has yielded six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League triumph. As he steps down, Enzo Maresca is poised to take over the managerial reins. Guardiola will assume an ambassadorial role at City but has not ruled out a return to management, possibly on the international stage, after a break. "For a while, I will not be manager," he said. "That is the only thing. I promise you if I had energy I would be here with them. Honestly, I deserve to take a break."
Life After Guardiola
A stand at the Etihad has been named in Guardiola's honour, but he believes the club will thrive without him. "It doesn't work to copy and paste in this kind of job," he remarked. "You have to be unique, natural and yourself - and the new manager will be himself. It has to be like that. And that's why everything is going to be good." He expressed confidence in the squad and the incoming manager: "I think the squad is a good place. I think we can do better. Because I'm pretty sure with these players, with the new manager, with the staff, with everyone there, they will do the job that's required to continue to be there."
Regarding his future, Guardiola said: "I don't have any absolute plan about my future, except to rest and recover my time that I missed with my kids when they were growing [up]. Many things I've not done I want to do, stupid things I want to do. I don't think for one second thinking about anything related to football for the next years."
