Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has revealed that Pep Guardiola threatened to quit the club on numerous occasions during his 10-year tenure, comparing the manager's empty threats to the boy who cried wolf. Guardiola left City last month after winning 17 major honours, but his departure was preceded by years of hesitation over contract extensions.
Mubarak, who described himself as Guardiola's 'psychiatrist', said he had to talk the Catalan out of leaving multiple times. 'In the case of Pep, when he says 'I quit', it doesn't mean he's quitting,' Mubarak explained. 'You don't take it that seriously, you have to manage him.' He added that Guardiola never thought he would stay more than four years, but each time he threatened to leave, Mubarak convinced him to stay until the moment felt genuine.
The chairman acknowledged that Guardiola's final decision to leave was real. 'He knew – and I knew that he knew – and that's why it was the right thing for him,' Mubarak said. 'I did not fight this at all because I knew this was the time he meant it.' Enzo Maresca has been lined up as Guardiola's replacement.
Mubarak also addressed speculation about Erling Haaland's future, after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed a clause in the striker's contract would allow him to sign Haaland if elected. While City have threatened legal action, Mubarak praised Haaland's leadership and character, calling him a 'goalscoring machine' who has been a leader since day one.
Despite Guardiola's departure, Mubarak insisted City are far from peaking and are designed to continue winning. He credited Guardiola with instilling a winning DNA but noted the club's success predates him, with Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini also delivering titles.
