Pep Guardiola has offered simple advice to his successor at Manchester City: be yourself. The 55-year-old, who is leaving the Etihad after a decade in charge, believes the next manager should forge their own path rather than trying to emulate him.
Enzo Maresca is expected to take over, having previously worked as a City assistant during the Treble-winning season and later managing Leicester and Chelsea. The Italian has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in January and faces a daunting task akin to David Moyes succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Guardiola will take on an ambassadorial role within the City Football Group but prioritises rest. Friends believe he will struggle to stay away from football for more than three months, though he is determined to prove he can. Guardiola leaves because he doubts he will have the energy to continue next season and feels change is needed to keep the club fresh.
When asked for advice, Guardiola said: 'Be themselves. A manager has to be himself. Unique. The club will be there to support him unconditionally. Like they have done it to me, they will do it to him and his staff.' He did not rule out a future return to City or taking the England job, with Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup on home soil potential attractions.
