Manchester City

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media after confirmation he will leave the club at the end of the season, with his final game in charge against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said it's "been the experience of my life" managing Manchester City and he is "leaving with incredible peace" because he "gave everything for this club".

• On why now: "It's the time. It's a process I have felt for a while. 10 years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager and new energy with the incredible players we have right now. Start to write another chapter. I did my best. I gave everything until my last drop of what I have."

• He said it is "absolutely" to do with energy levels and added: "I feel I will not have the energy required to deliver every day the expectations of titles and being around the players. I know myself. It's not because of ambition, or [that] I don't want to try it again."

• More on the toll of the job: "The passion and energy I've always had since I was a little boy, I don't feel like I will have in the future. I have to be honest to the club that gave me everything and to the people that rely on me."

• He said he is "going to take a step back" from football and "rest", adding he has "no plans" to go back into training "for a while".

• He confirmed he told the players this morning of his decision and joked that "the speech was a disaster" because he was "so nervous".

• The decision to announce his departure today was because they "cannot fight for anything else" [trophies] and he wants to "say a proper goodbye on Sunday" at the Etihad.

• He said "it's the perfect time" to depart the club as the team is "much better than last season" when they had to rebuild.

• On the North Stand being named after him: "Speechless. No words. They called me this morning and said the club took the decision. I like to feel that my vibe and my energy will be there forever. I like that feeling. In the bad moments, they can look for Pep and I will send good energy to the team and club."

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We asked for your thoughts on Pep Guardiola's decision to step down at the end of this season after a decade at Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Thanks for the countless memories Pep, master tactician and serial winner. The blue half of Manchester will love you forever.

Andy: I'm truly feeling a bit sick hearing this news. I was hoping he would see out his contract, but I suppose 10 years is a long time as a manager in the modern era. I wish him and his family well and that they drop in from time to time. Thanks for memories.

Ken: One of the greatest managers of all time but his humanity off the pitch as a Catalan makes him the best for me. He used his profile to speak out instead of remaining silent.

Pratyay: I'll continue being a City fan forever but I know, deep down, no gaffer can ever match Pep's heights and give me the joyride he gave me since August 2021 - the fateful time 10 days before my Bone Marrow Transplant - when I decided to become his ardent follower for the beautiful football he made his team play. The unbridled gaiety he and his players have given me since that time has, as I would like to believe, propelled me to good health. Thank you for everything and take a bow, Pep.

Louisa: Absolutely gutted because Pep is irreplaceable. What he has done for this club and UK football is absolutely awesome and that's why I class Pep as the greatest of all time.

Josh Sexton
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It comes to something when your long-time nemesis says it is time to move on and you actually feel a little bit sad about it.

Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City feels like a chapter of English football is truly closing.

More than that, though, I actually grew to quite like this nemesis - a feeling made easier by Liverpool refusing to be any competition to his team this season.

Between his compassionate politics and his increasingly funny news conferences, the man who became the bane of our existence has started to cut a much more likeable figure.

Of course, the respect element was always there.

Yes, there are caveats to City's success, but there are very few doubts about Guardiola's greatness as a manager.

After Jurgen Klopp left Anfield in 2024, it seemed only natural that the man he went toe to toe with for so many years would move on fairly soon after.

Because, the truth is, the standards those two managers set would warp our perception of what a normal title-winning points total looks like.

Arsenal have pipped Guardiola to the Premier League this season, but they have done so with a maximum of 85 points - a climbdown from the days of Liverpool and City pushing each other to 90-plus points totals.

While the year the Reds ran away with the title in 2019-20 distorts the averages in their favour, they started 27 games unbeaten to put any doubts of City being able to break their hearts again beyond doubt, with falling short on 97 points the campaign before still fresh in the memory.

Liverpool have fallen away this season, but Guardiola moving on automatically means the barrier to entry for a title race is likely to not be as high.

Therefore, Reds supporters should be reassured that a return to the top isn't too far away, especially with such a talented group of players.

We might not see those 2018-2022 levels again for a little while, though, and for that we will always (at least partly) have Guardiola to thank.

Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap, external

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Confirmation of the worst kept secret in football - aside from the England World Cup squad - has finally arrived with the news that Pep Guardiola will lead out Manchester City for the final time on Sunday.

A mere 10 minutes after Manchester United confirmed Michael Carrick as permanent head coach, City sent out a press release that all their fans had been dreading.

The Spaniard has overseen an incredible decade, winning 20 trophies, but there may be a tinge of regret that his side could not overhaul Arsenal at the top of the table.

But how long has he known? When did he communicate his decision to the players and what comes next in his career?

We'll find out when he faces the cameras later.

Come back to this page for all the key lines from Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola will have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named in his honour after announcing his decision to leave Manchester City after 10 years at the helm.

The club have confirmed that the North Stand will become 'The Pep Guardiola Stand' after the Spanish tactician, who led the club to their first Champions League title.

The expanded section of Etihad Stadium is set to open fully for the first time on Sunday when City host Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.

Image source, Getty Images

Departing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has written an open letter to the fans who have supported him through "an unparalleled trophy-laden decade of success".

Guardiola will take charge of his final match when Aston Villa travel to Etihad Stadium on Sunday (16:00 BST).

In a letter published by Manchester City, external, Guardiola said: "When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking: 'OK, Noel is here? This will be fun' - and what a time we have had together.

"Don't ask me the reasons I am leaving. There is no reason. But deep inside, I know it is my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was it would be here.

"Eternal will be the feeling: the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City. This city is built from work and from graft, you see it in the colour of the bricks, from the people who clock in early and stay late, from the factories, the Pankhurst, the unions, the music, the industrial revolution.

"I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too. We worked. We suffered. We fought. We did things our own way.

"Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there too.

"I remember the Manchester Arena attack. That's when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like. Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community, togetherness, a city united.

"I remember when I lost my mum during Covid and I felt this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester gave me the strength when I needed it most. Cris [Cristina Serra], my kids and my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], you were there too.

"To my players, don't forget every single instant and every single moment. Everything me, my staff and this club have done, we have done it for all of you - and you have been just exceptional. You don't know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.

"So, as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again!

"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for trusting me, for pushing me and 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 [expletive] fun.

"Love you all."

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola is to step down as manager of Manchester City this summer.

Guardiola, who joined City in July 2016, leaves having won 20 major trophies in his 10-year tenure.

"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving," said Guardiola. "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."

His final game will be against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.

How are you feeling? Was it expected? Or did you think he would fulfill the final year on his contract?

Get in touch with your views here

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

When Pep Guardiola took the City job, one of his first decisions was to oust fan favourite Joe Hart and instead play Claudio Bravo, then Ederson.

Guardiola wanted a ball-playing goalkeeper - not common practice in the Premier League - and was criticised for it.

Ten years on, it would be more controversial to suggest a top-flight team doesn't need a No 1 who is comfortable with the ball at their feet.

By the early 2020s, most Premier League teams had replaced traditional shot-stoppers with impressive passers - with varying degrees of success.

At Manchester United, David de Gea was succeeded by Andre Onana. Aaron Ramsdale was replaced by David Raya at Arsenal, and Chelsea went from Edouard Mendy to Kepa Arrizabalaga to Robert Sanchez. The list goes on.

Read more on how Guardiola changed English football tactically

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Arsenal and Juventus are monitoring 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, with the Netherlands international having limited playing time since his arrival last summer. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Man City

A pop-up pub will open for four days in Manchester city centre to celebrate the careers of departing duo Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

The pair will leave Manchester City upon the expiry of their contracts this summer and have been honoured by the 'Stones & Silva' pub.

The establishment will feature themes and decor of the pair's best moments in a City shirt.

The two players paid a visit before its opening on Thursday, with the event running until Sunday.

Image source, Man City

Bayern Munich are considering a shock move for defender John Stones when he leaves Manchester City at the end of the season. (Mail), external

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer. (Sky Sports), external

Finally, Pep Guardiola's impending exit from Manchester City opens the door for midfielder Rodri to join Real Madrid this summer. (Marca - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

For a manager who meticulously controls every pass and phase of play, the mess surrounding Pep Guardiola's future is one that is difficult to witness.

After 10 years of tactical perfection and 20 trophies delivered, the 55-year-old has absolutely earned the right to exit the club on his own terms.

Instead, a seismic week of uncertainty has left Manchester City fans somewhat strung along and stuck in an emotional limbo.

The handling of the narrative by the club and some corners of mainstream media has been deeply disappointing.

To find out that a legendary manager's exit was reportedly leaked through conversations with club sponsors - and treated as a commercial administrative footnote - is a bitter pill to swallow.

Worse still was the timing of what turned out to be a press onslaught.

Bombarding newspapers, television screens and social media apps with 'definitive' exit reports and Enzo Maresca succession claims, just 24 hours before a must-win match at Bournemouth, may have derailed the squad's focus and perhaps contributed to a rather flat showing that ultimately handed Arsenal the Premier League title on Tuesday night.

One of the greatest managers of all time was completely stripped of his right to dictate his own journey, and to announce his direction of travel when the time was right for him.

Yet, Guardiola's own reaction has only heightened the anxiety.

By continually deflecting and using his post-match media duties to insist: "Let me talk with my chairman!", he keeps a dramatic U-turn technically on the table, while refusing to give fans a straight answer.

This brings us to a painful reality before Sunday afternoon's clash against Aston Villa and, if this is to be the Catalan's final game at the Etihad Stadium, match-going fans are being denied the chance to emotionally prepare.

Do we not deserve the opportunity to process a farewell for the most transformative figure in modern Manchester City history?

Walking into the stadium on Sunday not knowing whether we are witnessing a routine end-of-season fixture or the final curtain-call of footballing royalty is unfair.

We shouldn't have to decode boardroom leaks to say goodbye to our greatest-ever icon.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Striker Erling Haaland says Manchester City should be "angry" as losing the Premier League title to Arsenal "is not good enough".

The Norway international scored his 27th league goal of the season to secure a late draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, but the result allowed Mikel Arteta's side to claim their first top-flight crown in 22 years.

It means City failed to win the title for the second consecutive season, having come third last term.

"In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult. We tried. It wasn't enough," said Haaland. "The whole club should use this as motivation now. We should be angry, we should feel a fire inside our belly because it's not good enough.

"It's gone two years now, it feels like forever. We're going to do everything we can, everyone that will be here next season, to win the league."

Speculation continues to swirl over the future of manager Pep Guardiola, who said after the game he will speak to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in the next few days.

Sunday's final game of the season against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium could be bring down the curtain on the Spaniard's trophy-laden decade-long tenure.

"We haven't [been] told anything," midfielder Rodri said of Guardiola's future. "Pep is still our manager and we have to recover and play the last game how it is to say goodbye to two legends of our club in John [Stones] and Bernardo [Silva]."

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner added: "I will be sad [if Guardiola leaves] because not only what he means for the club but for this country [too]. He changed football and having the best manager in the world is always credit.

"I also think that if he left he will deserve the best goodbye as he is a legend and we only have good thoughts for him. Big credit [to him] and unbelievable."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City's world fell apart in the space of 24 hours as they surrendered the Premier League title - following on from the bombshell news of manager Pep Guardiola's impending departure.

The headlines every City fan feared about the Spaniard's future broke on Monday night, before the side's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

While Guardiola insists he will make his decision after talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the expectation is for him to end his trophy-laden and decade-long tenure at the club, with Enzo Maresca poised to be his successor.

Guardiola told Sky Sports: "The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided that when we finish the season, we will sit and we will talk. It is as simple as that. After that, we will take the decision."

The 55-year-old, who has led City to Carabao Cup and FA Cup success this season, added: "I have one more year of my contract. I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, my players and my staff.

"When we play for the FA Cup, for Champions League qualification, for the Premier League title, there is just one thing in my mind and focus: trying to bring the team to the highest point."

All eyes were on Guardiola at Vitality Stadium for City's must-win game, though.

He was greeted by the flashing cameras of 22 photographers as he entered the dugout before kick-off, while one City fan raised a bedsheet with 'Pep Stay' scribbled on it.

"One more year, one more year, Guardiola," was chanted during the game but, by the end, the manager was the first to make a hasty exit down the tunnel.

The shock developments, should they officially be confirmed by the club, mean it is now shaping up to be a significant summer of change at the club this summer.

A domestic cup double was secured this season, but the title has eluded the club for a second straight campaign - something which has not happened before in Guardiola's distinguished managerial career, which has included spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

And, if it does transpire to be his final week at Etihad Stadium, he will no doubt depart with a tinge of regret. City had the title in their own hands just 15 days ago, but their trip to Everton proved to be the turning point.

Now, Sunday's game against Aston Villa will now be viewed as an emotional farewell to a man who has brought so much joy and success to supporters over the past 10 years.

Read the full article here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Puma/Man City

Manchester City look set to have a new manager next season but we know they will definitely have a new home kit.

The club have released their new home design for the 2026-27 campaign. The colour runs through a full gradient of sky blue - starting off darker at the shoulders and getting lighter as it falls - the shirt is finished with a metallic monochrome crest and sponsor details.

City say the design "speaks to the idea of progression, of a club always moving forward and never settling for where it currently stands".

Kit manufacturer Puma's product line manager Maria Kiebacher, said: "Manchester City is not a typical football club and everything about this kit and this campaign reflects that.

"The gradient tells a story of ambition and progression and it reflects a club that has always been willing to do things differently."

Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pep Guardiola will be "heavily involved in his own succession plan" at Manchester City, if he decides to leave the club at the end of this season.

The 55-year-old has been at the helm since the start of 2016-17, but sources have told BBC Sport that the club are preparing for his exit after Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.

"There is no doubt about the fact that there will be a contingency plan," Hart explained on Match of the Day.

"They [Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones] are a big three to lose at the same time, but that is the revolving door that goes on at Manchester City.

"They make plans for situations like this. They have discussions for situations like this. Pep Guardiola will be heavily involved in his own succession plan because he wants the club to continue [in the way it has been].

"The hierarchy realise that this situation isn't just about Pep Guardiola. They realise this situation is about Manchester City - and that is far more important, so there will be plans in place."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer