Pep Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season, with his final match ending in a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24. The manager confirmed his departure in May, bringing an end to a decade full of trophies for the Catalan boss.
A Decade of Success
During his time at City, Guardiola led the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and one Champions League, as well as a selection of other silverware.
No Single Reason for Leaving
Guardiola said: "Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."
A Break from Coaching
Guardiola still had a year left on his contract, but an agreement was reached for him to step away early. He agreed to remain a Global Ambassador for City Football Group, a role which the club said "will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations".
International Interest and Replacement
The Italian FA made efforts to talk Guardiola into a managerial return with their national team, but he opted against an immediate return to the dugout. Italian manager Enzo Maresca was appointed as his successor at the end of June. Maresca, a former Chelsea boss, spent time in charge of City's Elite Development Squad, with future England internationals Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers among the players at his disposal.
