Guardiola has enjoyed considerable success with Manchester City, guiding the club to six league titles and numerous domestic and European accolades.
However, this achievement doesn’t yet compare to Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary tenure at Manchester United, where he led his team to thirteen Premier League titles over an extraordinary career. Despite the difference in title count, Guardiola’s influence at City has transformed the club in other ways, from tactical innovation to a culture of sustained excellence. His departure, should it happen, will be a momentous shift, and fans and pundits alike are speculating on what it might mean for the future of Manchester City.
During a press conference, Guardiola expressed confidence that City would avoid the kind of long-term decline United experienced after Ferguson's departure. Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era at United, leading to a challenging period in which the club struggled to find a successor who could maintain the same level of dominance. Guardiola, however, believes that City is well-equipped to continue succeeding regardless of individual departures. “I don’t know what happened at United, but I’m pretty sure it won’t happen here,” Guardiola stated. His words underscore his belief that City’s infrastructure and established culture will allow them to weather the transition smoothly. “It’s a bad sign if everything at a club collapses when one person leaves. Mistakes might be made, but they will be resolved. Immediately, I’m sure of it. The players will know what they have to do.”
The potential departure of Guardiola is compounded by the impending exit of another pivotal figure: technical director Txiki Begiristain, who has been instrumental in shaping City’s squad and style over the past twelve years. Begiristain’s departure would mark the end of an era, as he and Guardiola have worked in tandem to bring world-class talent and a cohesive, attacking philosophy to the club. Begiristain’s impact has extended far beyond individual signings; he has helped establish a long-term vision for City, focusing on a balanced approach that combines established stars with rising talents.
Guardiola, however, remains optimistic, downplaying any potential setbacks. “Of course, it might seem as if we’re irreplaceable, but life goes on. The earth keeps spinning,” he said, a testament to his belief in City’s resilience and preparedness for change. His confidence is not misplaced, as City has already begun taking steps to ensure continuity. The club has identified a successor for Begiristain in Hugo Viana, currently with Sporting Portugal. Viana, who has experience both on the pitch in the Premier League with Newcastle United and in management, is expected to bring fresh insights while building on the foundation laid by his predecessor. The 41-year-old Portuguese manager is seen as a capable hand to guide City through a transitional phase, with a mandate to oversee the gradual reshaping of the squad.
The need for squad renewal is becoming more pressing, with several of City’s core players, including Kevin De Bruyne (33), Bernardo Silva (30), and Kyle Walker (34), approaching the latter stages of their careers. Guardiola acknowledged the natural cycle of player turnover, saying, “Every summer, there’s always something. We’ll see what happens.” This perspective highlights Guardiola’s acceptance of change as a constant in football. He has navigated such transitions before, managing the renewal of squads at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and City fans trust that he would leave the team in capable hands.
As City prepares for the upcoming seasons, fans are left to ponder the future without Guardiola and Begiristain at the helm. Yet, Guardiola’s remarks reflect his faith in the systems they have built and in the remaining players and staff who can carry forward City’s legacy. Whether he stays or goes, Guardiola has shaped Manchester City in ways that will likely influence the club for years to come.