The Premier League is reeling from the shocking news that Josep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after this weekend’s final game of the season against Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of this season (Image: Jack Thomas/Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
Manager Josep Guardiola is said to be furious after news of his departure from Manchester City was broken on the eve of a tight title race and he was forced to confirm his departure to his players in a late-night phone call.
After weeks of speculation that the 55-year-old would leave the Etihad after a trophy-laden decade, it emerged on Monday night that this weekend’s home game against Aston Villa will indeed be Guardiola’s last in charge of Manchester City. Enzo Maresca is set to become the club’s new head coach, replacing his former coach.
Guardiola will walk into the sunset as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history after guiding City to six league titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and Champions League glory.
He could secure a seventh Premier League title if City win both of their remaining games and Arsenal fail against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but the news of his departure, delivered on the eve of a must-win game against Bournemouth, reportedly infuriated the Spaniard.
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A source told The Sun: “Pep is furious right before the game.
“He called the players into a late-night group call and confirmed his departure. He apologized for the way he broke the news. He was surprised.”
“The players were informed on Saturday that he would not be playing so everyone is in a state of shock.”
Manager Gary Neville predicted Guardiola would be unhappy at the fact that news of his impending departure broke on the eve of a huge title race.
Guardiola will leave Manchester City after this weekend’s match against Aston Villa
“I’m surprised it’s broken now,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s not just during the[Arsenal vs. Burnley]game, it’s the night before the Man City game. Something like that is game-changing news.”
“I remember when I was at school and recently the news about Kenny Dalglish leaving Liverpool, Sir Alex Ferguson leaving Man United, Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool.
“Those are huge moments in football and I don’t think it’s the kind of news that Man City would release or want to release. If that were true, Man City would be very disappointed that it’s broken now and so would Pep Guardiola.”
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