On 1 February 2016, Manchester City officially confirmed the identity of their new coach, marking the beginning of a challenging new era in English club football.
On this day 10 years ago, Manchester City announced the impending arrival of Pep Guardiola (Image: (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
Ten years ago on this day, at 1:03 p.m., Manchester City made one of the most significant announcements in the history of English club football. When Josep Guardiola leaves the Premier League, there will be many and mixed reviews of his achievements.
But written confirmation of his arrival on these shores, delivered in a 110-word message on the club’s website on February 1, 2016, ushered in an era that challenges conventional footballing norms on these shores. It is an indisputable legacy.
Anything else will be the subject of intense and complex debate. First, the price is 115. His tangible success – and his vast trophy collection – would be tainted if it was won at a club that breached Premier League financial rules, even though most of the alleged breaches date back to before he started working at the Etihad. And remember, there was never any suggestion that Guardiola was involved in any wrongdoing.
read more: Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland lose millions as Premier League huge salaries revealedread more: Leicester informed of former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s spectacular return
Some may simply argue that Guardiola’s achievements are decisively a product of Manchester City’s financial strength, even if the club were free of gross misdemeanors. And they’ll make a decent argument, because there’s no disputing the possibility that he could have won that much without lavish investments in players.
Some might think six Premier League titles in seven seasons is the kind of dominance that elite football doesn’t like. But all the while, the competition never lost its appeal. City have not had as much competition as they have in the past year and a half, which could suggest that the overall standard of football is not as attractive as it was last season.
That’s because Manchester City, free-flowing under Guardiola, was one of the most thrilling spectacles in the history of English football. City’s vintage team from the Guardiola era was by no means bygones for the sake of bygones. It was quick, sharp, and prescient.
And here comes the problem. Even defeat did not dim the brilliance of Pep’s great City team.
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the many players to have flourished under Pep Guardiola (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
For some reason, City lost the Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid in 2022. Still, those of us who were there to watch the first leg at the Etihad (City won 4-3) were captivated by a night of pure magic.
City could have scored 10 points and it was the night they should have. But that didn’t matter to neutrals. It didn’t matter that somehow Real won 3-1 on the way back.
For people who don’t have an emotional connection to the outcome of matches involving Guardiola’s team, it has long been almost always fascinating, or at least intriguing. That’s because of its indisputable heritage. Pep challenged our footballing conventions.
From his demands on his keepers to be footballers, to his use of opposite full-backs, defenders as midfielders, and a period when attacking systems were incredibly fluid, Guardiola is the most influential manager in modern English football. And amazingly, he has given great players – Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri to name but two – the tactical nourishment to produce a feast.
Josep Guardiola’s influence on English football goes beyond winning six Premier League titles (Image: PA)
Tactical thinking in soccer is always cyclical. And the current Premier League is defined by set pieces, long throws, directness and very simple things.
Perhaps that is why many feel Guardiola may decide this season will be his 10th and last in the Premier League. He pointed out that he has a contract until the summer of 2027 and has always lived up to his contract.
So he’ll probably stay one more season. But one thing is for sure: when Manchester City made their announcement 10 years ago today, they were announcing a challenging new era in English club football.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
