Sergio Agüero makes strong admission on Pep Guardiola exit amid Manchester City uncertainty | OneFootball

Manchester City legend Sergio Agüero has dismissed fears that Pep Guardiola’s eventual departure from the club would trigger the kind of collapse Manchester United suffered after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2012.

For almost 10 years now, Pep Guardiola has been the most important person at Manchester City, leading the team through a time when they paved their way to be considered among the best teams in the world.

Since he joined the Blues in 2016, the Catalan has won six Premier League titles and in 2023, Guardiola led City to their first Champions League title en route to a historic treble. His tactical philosophy, positional play and high standards have created a culture that goes beyond the first-team.

However, the question of who will eventually replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium continues to loom. There are been increasing speculation in the English press in recent months that this might be Guardiola’s last season in charge of Manchester City.

It is understood that executives at the Etihad Stadium are looking for a potent successor for Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca one of the names mentioned. However, Guardiola has repeatedly refused to say what his plans are, asserting he doesn’t know what the future holds.

It is against that backdrop that Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Agüero has made a clear statement about Manchester City’s future.

The Argentine, who won five Premier League titles in Manchester, three of them under Guardiola, said that the 55-year-old’s departure would not precede a collapse at City alike to Manchester United’s decline after Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013.

In an interview with Stake, Aguero said: Pep has repeatedly stated in recent months that he has one more year on his contract, so there’s no point in speculating now,” as relayed by Goal.

However, it was the former striker’s broader argument that carried greater weight. “It’s always the case that when such a successful manager leaves, there’s some kind of reshuffling. But I have a feeling that City will know how to replace him very well when the time comes,” Aguero added.

“A club, an institution like Manchester City, a club that has established itself among the elite, is much more than just a great manager. And whoever arrives will have a solid foundation to continue growing.”

Aguero’s tenure and exploits at the club make his claim stronger. Under Roberto Mancini’s leadership, he scored his famous title-winning goal against Queens Park Rangers in 2012. He won another league title with Manuel Pellegrini – and then Guardiola arrived and led the club to its most successful period ever.

The comparison with United is sharp and on purpose. After Ferguson’s departure, it was difficult for the next managers to fill the void in terms of culture, playing styles and success. Aguero’s message emphasises the fact that Manchester City are ready for life after Guardiola due to their strong recruitment strategy, experienced executives and clear playing style.

Whether Guardiola leaves this summer or sees out his current deal through to 2027, the crucial thing is that Manchester City’s management believes that the club’s recruitment framework and tactical philosophy are greater than any one person. Aguero, who helped build the team on the pitch, clearly agrees.