Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed he is stepping down after a decade with the Premier League club, describing the decision as the “right decision” following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on May 24, 2026.
The Spanish coach, who has spent ten years at Manchester City, admitted feeling “so tired” after dedicating everything to the role.
Guardiola emphasised that while his experiences with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich remain special, his time at Manchester City has given him unparalleled memories and relationships.
During his tenure since 2016, Guardiola led Manchester City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
I feel deeply that the decision is the right decision for this club and the players.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed he is stepping down after a decade with the Premier League club, describing the decision as the “right decision” following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on May 24, 2026.
The Spanish coach, who has spent ten years at Manchester City, admitted feeling “so tired” after dedicating everything to the role. He reflected on the emotional farewell, particularly noting how seeing Bernardo Silva in tears moved him to tears as well.
“I don’t cry, but when I saw Bernardo cry, I cried. I said don’t cry but it happened. It was such a special moment. The emotions were so high. I will never forget,” Guardiola said, as reported by Goal.com.
The match against Aston Villa also marked farewell appearances for long-serving players Bernardo Silva and John Stones, contributing to the poignant atmosphere at the stadium.
Guardiola emphasised that while his experiences with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich remain special, his time at Manchester City has given him unparalleled memories and relationships.
“I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it. The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other,” he said.
During his tenure since 2016, Guardiola led Manchester City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups. He managed the club in 593 matches, achieving 423 wins, 77 draws and 93 defeats.
Regarding his departure, Guardiola said, “It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that’s for sure. I feel deeply that the decision is the right decision for this club and the players. I thank the club for respecting it, they understood.”
He also highlighted that beyond trophies, it is the connections and memories formed with the city, staff and players that have truly mattered.
“Without the trophies, I would have been sacked but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy. It is the memories and connections I had since day one with the city, the backroom staff and the players,” he added.
