Manchester City confirm new role for Pep Guardiola after Etihad Stadium exit announced | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola will be handed a new role within the wider City Football Group after leaving the position of Manchester City manager, the club have confirmed.

The club announced the stepping down of their greatest-ever manager on Friday, ahead of his final game in charge of the club against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon on matchday 38 of the Premier League season.

Guardiola ends his time at Manchester City with successes in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but failed to claim yet another Premier League title through Arsenal’s triumph, ending his reign with six top-flight crowns and a UEFA Champions League honour, too.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach leaves the Etihad Stadium with 20 trophies to his name spread across his 10-year tenure, and is expected to be replaced by the club’s former assistant and previous Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca.

Speaking to the club on his departure in a script personally written for the in-house production, Guardiola said, “What a time we have had together. Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”

Guardiola continued, “We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way… So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me.

“Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I’m sorry, Tony: this is my place. Noel [Gallagher]…I was right. It has been so f****** fun. Love you all.”

Pep Guardiola takes new role in City Football Group

Now, as confirmed by Manchester City, Pep Guardiola will continue his relationship with the City Football Group despite his departure as Manchester City’s manager, taking up a role as a Global Ambassador.

Manchester City explain that the Catalan’s new role within the City Football Group will see him “giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations”.

Speaking on Pep Guardiola’s appointment into the new role within the City Football Group, Manchester City’s chief executive officer said as part of the reflections on his time at the Etihad Stadium, “As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the Group.”

Soriano continued, “We will be able use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players.”

What next for Pep Guardiola?

For now, it is widely expected that the Manchester City manager will take an extended break from club football, and many believe that the position at the Etihad Stadium will be his final within that area of the game.

However, as the Catalan has pointed out in numerous interviews, he retains a keen interest in venturing into international management, and various reports have identified the likes of Italy, Brazil, and the Netherlands as potential positions, as well as the England job.

Given the nature of Manchester City’s desire to keep on succeeding, the club will immediately look towards their new era under Enzo Maresca, and it is believed that the Italian is wanting a fast start to life whilst working closely with Hugo Viana on plans for pre-season.