The end of an era at Manchester City has now been officially confirmed after Pep Guardiola announced he will step away from his role as head coach at the conclusion of the season.
Yet while the Spaniard may be leaving the dugout, his job with the club and its wider football network is far from over.
Manchester City revealed on Friday that Guardiola’s remarkable reign will come to a close following Sunday’s final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
The announcement brings an end to one of the most successful managerial periods English football has witnessed in modern times.
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into a dominant force both domestically and in Europe.
During his time in charge, the club collected 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the long-awaited UEFA Champions League crown in 2023.
Despite confirming his departure, Guardiola will remain closely involved with the wider City Football Group operation through a newly-created position as Global Ambassador.
The role ensures that even after stepping away from coaching duties, the 55-year-old will continue shaping the future of the organisation behind the scenes.
Speaking during his farewell press conference, Guardiola insisted he intended to step away from football management for a period after leaving City.
“I will not coach for a while,” he said.
The statement appeared to signal a complete break from day-to-day football activity, but City’s official announcement revealed that Guardiola’s influence inside the organisation will continue in a different capacity.
According to the club, the former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will provide technical guidance and strategic support across the City Football Group network.
His responsibilities are expected to include collaborations with affiliated clubs, advisory work and involvement in long-term football development projects.
Guardiola’s influence set to continue beyond the Etihad
Although Guardiola will no longer patrol the touchline each weekend, his new position highlights how highly City Football Group values the experience and football philosophy he has built over the past decade.
City Football Group oversees a growing portfolio of clubs spread across several continents.
In addition to Manchester City, the organisation includes Girona FC, Lommel SK, ES Troyes AC, Palermo FC, New York City FC, Montevideo City Torque, Esporte Clube Bahia, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos and Shenzhen Peng City.
The breadth of the network means Guardiola’s expertise could now influence football operations on a global scale rather than solely within the Premier League.
His appointment also reflects the lasting impact he has had on Manchester City’s identity. Guardiola’s tactical style reshaped the club and helped establish a winning culture that delivered sustained success season after season.
Under his leadership, City became renowned for possession-based football, relentless pressing and technical precision.
The club also secured multiple domestic doubles and trebles during a period in which they consistently challenged Europe’s elite.
While Guardiola’s departure marks a major turning point, the decision to keep him involved at executive level suggests City are keen to preserve the principles that defined their most successful era.
The club’s supporters are expected to give Guardiola an emotional farewell when City host Aston Villa in his final game as manager.
Backroom changes expected as City prepare for new era
Guardiola will not be the only high-profile figure leaving Manchester City this summer. Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders is also expected to depart as the club prepares for life after its long-serving manager.
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Lijnders, previously known for his work alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool FC, currently serves as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at the Etihad.
Reports indicate City offered the Dutchman a fresh contract in an attempt to maintain continuity during the managerial transition.
The club reportedly viewed him as a possible link between Guardiola’s regime and the incoming era.
However, Lijnders is believed to be considering alternative opportunities elsewhere and is expected to reject the proposed extension.
His potential departure would further underline the scale of change taking place at the club following Guardiola’s exit announcement.
