Pep Guardiola rejects Johan Cruyff comparisons as Manchester City exit looms | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola brushed off comparisons with his idol Johan Cruyff as he prepares to bring the curtain down at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is set to leave City after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, marking the end of an illustrious, trophy-laden decade in Manchester.

The Catalan joined the Blues in 2016 and has since led them to six Premier League titles, a maiden UEFA Champions League crown, a historic treble as well as a domestic quadruple – cementing his legacy as Manchester City‘s greatest-ever manager.

City secured the cup double by lifting the FA Cup at Wembley last week, marking a successful end to a transitional season that will witness further upheaval as the club prepare for life beyond departing stars Bernardo Silva, John Stones and now Guardiola.

Nobody is like Johan Cruyff, admits Pep

In a press conference prior to Tuesday night’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth, Guardiola was asked whether he’d like to be remembered as Manchester City’s Johan Cruyff when he does leave the club.

“Nobody is like Johan! It’s a big compliment to say that, but nobody is like him; the charisma, personality,” the Catalan said as the Blues seek a strong finish to the season to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

“He changed the mentality of two clubs – Ajax and Barcelona – as a player and manager. A charisma that’s impossible to replicate, self-confidence, many, many aspects that he had. It’s impossible!”

City are planning to name an Etihad Stadium stand after Guardiola, who will leave the head coach position after Sunday’s home game against Aston Villa, with Enzo Maresca set to succeed the 55-year-old on an initial three year contract.

What will Pep’s final week at Man City look like?

Guardiola is understood to have been left furious with the timing of reports confirming his upcoming Manchester City departure – after a flurry of reports in the English press indicated on Monday night that the 55-year-old will leave this summer.

City lifted the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday after seeing off Chelsea in a narrow final win – securing a cup double in their first full season under sporting director Hugo Viana.

An open-bus parade in Manchester on Monday next week will celebrate the achievements of the men’s and women’s sides this season, with the event likely to allow City fans to also bid an emotional farewell to their legendary manager.

An official announcement confirming Guardiola’s departure could come anytime this week, with reports this week relaying that Manchester City’s media team have had material in place for an announcement for some time.