Pep Guardiola will depart Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season after a transformative decade at the helm, the club confirmed on Monday. Despite his contract extending to June 2027, the Spanish tactician has decided to step away from his managerial post, with Enzo Maresca, his former assistant, already lined up as his successor.
Guardiola's next chapter will keep him connected to the City Football Group as Global Ambassador. In this role, the 53-year-old will provide technical guidance across the organization's portfolio of clubs, including Girona, Troyes, Palermo, New York City FC, Melbourne City, and Yokohama Marinos. This mirrors the path taken by Jurgen Klopp, who accepted a similar position with Red Bull Soccer in January 2025 following his Liverpool departure.
A Decade of Dominance
Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City redefined English football. His teams won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and claimed the Champions League in 2023—the club's first. Over ten years, he cultivated a style of possession-based football that influenced an entire generation of coaches across world football. His legacy extends beyond trophies; he shaped Manchester City into a genuine elite institution.
In an emotional farewell, Guardiola reflected on his bond with the city and its supporters. He spoke of shared hardship—losses at Bournemouth, European disappointment in Istanbul, and personal tragedy when he lost his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club's community rallied around him, he said, embodying Manchester's working-class ethos and resilience. "Nothing is eternal," Guardiola stated, "but eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for Manchester City."
What Comes Next
Maresca, who worked alongside Guardiola as assistant, inherits a squad still capable of competing domestically and in Europe. The transition marks a critical moment for Manchester City, as they seek continuity while embracing new direction. Guardiola's move to a global ambassador role suggests he will shape broader strategy across the City Football Group's international operations—a fitting role for a manager whose tactical influence now transcends any single club.
