Pep Guardiola ended his 10-year tenure as Manchester City manager at the end of the 2025-26 season, formally confirmed in May 2026 [1]. He was 55 years old at the time of his departure [2, 1, 3].
During his time at the club, Guardiola threatened to quit on around 100 occasions but was repeatedly convinced to remain until this final decision [2, 1, 4, 5, 3]. Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described himself as Guardiola’s “psychiatrist” who helped him through difficult moments, saying, "I always had a very clear understanding with Pep, because of that analogy of the 'Boy Who Cried Wolf': whenever he quits I will always convince him to come back until the time where I know it's actually the real moment Pep decides actually it's time" [2]. Khaldoon added, "He's more than just the manager of the club. To me, he's a friend... I consider myself his psychiatrist" [1]. He also said, "I did not fight this at all because I knew this was the time he actually meant it" [4].
Guardiola won a large haul of trophies with Manchester City, though sources differ on the exact number. Some state he won 17 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League [1, 4]. Others say he won 20 trophies total, also citing six league titles and the Champions League [2, 5]. Khaldoon said Guardiola’s tenure changed English football and left a lasting tactical influence on the Premier League [2, 5].
Guardiola initially joined Manchester City in 2016 on a three-year contract and signed four extensions in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 [1, 4]. His final decision to quit was accepted by Khaldoon without attempts to persuade him otherwise [2, 1, 4, 5, 3].
Manchester City have identified Enzo Maresca as a likely replacement [4, 3]. Khaldoon told reporters to "be patient" and said the club would soon announce the new manager, adding, "you will be very comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible for this club" [3].
