Manchester United legend issues Pep Guardiola plea over Manchester City future | OneFootball

The future of Pep Guardiola is a hot topic of discussion at present, with various reports suggesting the Catalan could leave Manchester City as soon as this summer.

Despite being contracted until 2027, uncertainty continues to surround the long-term plans of Pep Guardiola, with some believing the current campaign could represent the closing stages of his remarkable tenure at Manchester City.

Now in his 10th season at the club, Guardiola has delivered an era of unprecedented domestic and European success at the Etihad Stadium, reshaping not only City but the wider landscape of English football.

While the prospect of an earlier exit has consistently been played down by Guardiola himself, he has simultaneously offered mixed messages too. Public reaffirmations of commitment have been followed by candid admissions about the physical and mental demands of management, alongside suggestions that a break from the game may eventually appeal to him.

The latest to weigh in on the future of Pep Guardiola is Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, and speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Wayne Rooney Show’, the 40-year-old admitted his own desire to see the Catalan remain at City for longer than this season.

“Some players will want him to leave, some will want him to stay, it depends whether you are in the team or not and that is the same for any manager,” explained Rooney.

He continued, “I hope he stays because he is brilliant for the Premier League and you want the best managers in the Premier League.

“He has set a benchmark over the past 10 years for everyone else.”

Wayne Rooney’s comments are notable given his long-standing association with those of a red persuasion in Manchester, underlining the respect Pep Guardiola commands across rival fanbases and former players alike.

Guardiola’s impact has extended well beyond silverware, influencing tactical trends within English football and forcing competitors to evolve in order to keep pace.

Behind the scenes, Manchester City are believed to be preparing for all scenarios, with succession planning reportedly advanced should Pep Guardiola decide to step away, and former assistant Enzo Maresca widely regarded as the leading internal candidate.

Elsewhere, former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, alongside Como’s Cesc Fàbregas are also admired within the Etihad Stadium for their emerging coaching profiles.

For now, Pep Guardiola remains fully focused on the task at hand at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City go in search of claiming the Premier League title once again, with a direct head-to-head battle ongoing with Arsenal.