Josep Guardiola has changed the face of English football – it would be a disaster if he quits the Premier League this summer
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola celebrates the Emirates FA Cup semi-final victory against Southampton (Image: 2026 All Stars)
Josep Guardiola has raised the bar and changed the face of English football since taking over in 2016.
In my opinion, Manchester City’s manager was the best manager of the Premier League era, which included Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger. Guardiola made us change the way we think about football, reinventing new tactical patterns, systems and positions and leading City into an era of incredible success.
But there’s something about it that makes me think if Guardiola wins the Treble – and I think he will.
Guardiola now just looks free and, dare I say it, happy with the demonstrations, as if some sort of weight has been lifted from his shoulders. Right down to the new sweatshirt with the P logo on it, which looks pretty trendy.
He looks carefree and having more fun than ever. he looks cocky. Enjoy more banter and deal with things as if you know they are coming to a glorious end.
read more: Pep Guardiola gives big hint that he will return to Man City next seasonread more: Gary Lineker talks about ‘tricky’ game that could cost Arsenal the Premier League title
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Also, there is no way they will sign Gianluigi Donnarumma unless they consider this season to be their last hurray. He’s a keeper that doesn’t really suit his style. He doesn’t want to play from the back.
Players who will join from now on must also ask themselves, “Will he stay?” There have always been doubts over the past few seasons. They are now at unprecedented levels.
But there are no definitive answers, only reassurances that there is no need to worry as the club is in good shape and has a plan even if the manager leaves.
Josep Guardiola leads his team to the FA Cup final for the fourth consecutive year (Image: 2026 The FA)
There’s no doubt that City were looking for him just in case. Enzo Maresca looks like a good option and is considered a favorite. It makes sense for clubs to review the current situation just in case.
But I really hope Guardiola stays and signs a new contract. The important thing is that he made City better and made other teams better too.
While City were at their peak, Liverpool needed to reach incredible levels under Jurgen Klopp to win the title. Then Arne Slot did it again.
Arsenal are striving for that, but to be honest, there were always doubts about whether City would come back. And they do.
That’s the important point. The team must up its game to compete with Pep. People always talk about wages and the city wage bill. And of course that’s the point. But that doesn’t mean we should allow other teams to not buy well or efficiently. Don’t start using City as an excuse for your failures.
Manager Guardiola gave me the opposite full-back position. He gave us the risk and reward of a keeper playing from the back. He was innovative this time around with his high-pressing, man-to-man tactical style and outsmarted his main rivals Arsenal.
Ten years later, Guardiola is still at the forefront of football, coming up with new ideas and plans. After City’s FA Cup semi-final victory, he spoke about “next season.” A small hint that he might still exist. But there is little relief.
It would be a great shame if he went. I’m sure other teams will breathe a huge sigh of relief as well. But even if they won after Pep’s departure, it would come with a disclaimer: Yes, but it was after Pep.
Guardiola is a great addition to English football. It is no wonder that Italy is the latest team to desire him as their national coach. England tried.
But I hope he stays – he has taken the game to a new level in this country.
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