Josep Guardiola has already found a new job shortly after announcing his departure from Manchester City. The Catalan has announced his departure from City after a brilliant decade in which he won 20 trophies in just under 600 games.
However, Guardiola is not leaving City completely, with the club announcing that he will take on an ambassador role after his departure. The job will include providing technical advice to clubs within City Football Group and “working on specific projects and collaborations”.
City said in a statement: “The Catalan manager, who joined City in July 2016, has had a transformative impact during his 10 years in charge and leaves with 20 major trophies to his name, making him the most successful manager in our history.”
“Despite stepping down as Manchester City manager, Pep will continue his relationship with City Football Group by taking on the role of global ambassador. The role will see him provide technical advice to clubs within the group and work on specific projects and collaborations.”
Although no official announcement has been made, Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola as City manager. The Italian worked alongside Guardiola at City and was part of the coaching team that helped them win the 2023 Treble.
In his farewell statement, Guardiola said: “When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This is going to be fun.’ What a great time we had together. Don’t ask me why I’m quitting, but deep down I know it’s my time. If it were, I’d be here. Forever would be the feelings, the people, the love.” I have it for my Manchester City.
“This is a city built by labor. From the graft. You can tell by the color of the bricks. From those who went to work early and those who stayed late. From factories. Pankhurst. Unions. Music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how it changed the world. I think we came to understand. We worked. We fought. We did things our way. We came to understand it.”
“Hard work comes in many forms. The trip to Bournemouth, where we lost in the Premier League, and you were there. The trip to Istanbul, you were there. Remember, with the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed strength in action? It’s not about anger. It’s about unity. Remember the Manchester Arena attack? It’s about unity.
“Remember, after losing my mother during the coronavirus pandemic, I felt this club supporting me. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Chris, my children, the whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you I was there too. Every moment, my staff, this club, everything we did. And you guys were just extraordinary. You don’t know it yet, but you leave a legacy.
Before concluding, “My time is up, be happy. Oasis is back again. Thank you everyone for believing in me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me. As Tony Walsh said in an unforgettable poem, this is the place. Sorry, Tony: this is the place for me. Noel… I was right. It was so much fun. I love you all.”
