Former Premier League manager reveals reason behind secret Manchester City visit | OneFootball

Gary O’Neil – the former manager of both Bournemouth and Wolves – has revealed the details behind his low-key visit to Manchester City’s training ground during pre-season.

The 42-year-old, who was dismissed by Wolves in December 2024, has been keeping a relatively low profile while weighing up his next steps in top-level football management amid links to a number of high-profile jobs.

O’Neil’s reputation grew considerably since his time at Bournemouth and later at Molineux, where his tactical discipline and overall playing style brought praise despite the club’s financial constraints.

His decision to spend part of the summer with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City offers a fascinating insight into his coaching ambitions and the depth of his connections within the game. The Catalan’s influence stretches far beyond the Etihad Stadium, with a growing list of coaches crediting him for shaping their footballing philosophies.

For O’Neil, whose sides have already faced Guardiola’s Manchester City with mixed results, the chance to observe training and engage in discussions represented an opportunity to broaden his approach as he looks ahead to his next role.

In recent years, the club has welcomed managerial figures eager to gain insight into tactical details and cultural practices that underpin their success. With Guardiola entering what could be the latter years of his stay in Manchester, his willingness to share knowledge with peers reflects both his influence on the game and his commitment to football’s coaching community.

Speaking during a new interview with The Telegraph’s Jason Burt, Gary O’Neil spoke of his recent visit to Manchester City’s training ground prior to the now-ongoing season, including an appearance at the first-team squad’s open training session at the Joie Stadium.

“I get on well with Pep [Guardiola]. We’ve had some good games against them. We beat them once and he was great after that,” O’Neil revealed.

The former Molineux coach added, “They [Manchester City] weren’t used to losing! We stayed in touch and he’s probably one of my biggest influences on how I look at coaching.”

Looking ahead, O’Neil’s decision to lean on Guardiola’s influence may shape his managerial future. With several clubs likely to change coaches across the coming months, the former Wolves boss could emerge as a candidate for a top-flight return.

For City, O’Neil’s comments further highlight Pep Guardiola’s reach as not just a serial winner, but also a mentor to many. Just as City’s playing squad has become a benchmark for excellence, their approach to leadership and tactical preparation continues to serve as a model for those aiming to replicate success.

The next step for O’Neil will be closely watched. Whether his future lies back in the Premier League, abroad, or in a project lower down the English pyramid, his experience at City will only add weight to his credentials.