MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola fought back tears on the sideline. His 10 years at Manchester City have come to an end. on sunday.
His last game was a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, and it was an emotional day as he said goodbye to the fans who had given him so much joy during the match. decade of domination In English Soccer.
“I could never have imagined that I would have found so much love,” Guardiola told the crowd as he stood in the center of the field at the Etihad Stadium. “It has been an incredible honor to have been here as your manager for 10 years.”
The tears began long before the final whistle, as Guardiola rubbed his eyes in frustration as his most loyal subordinates, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, also said farewell and were put in charge of a guard of honor as they were substituted in the second half.
Then it was his turn to receive his own honor guard.
“He’s the man who changed everything,” the stadium announcer said as Guardiola ran onto the field in a khaki and cream T-shirt as fans cheered wildly.
“10 more years,” they shouted, and Guardiola shook his head defiantly.
After winning 17 major trophies and numerous records, he admitted on Friday that he could do no more. After leading City to become the most dominant Premier League side of their generation and European champions for the first time, he said the time was right to hand over the reins.
guardiola day
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who won last year’s Club World Cup, is thought to be the favorite to take over, with an announcement likely to be made this week.
But that’s a story for another day.
The day was an opportunity for Guardiola and his supporters to show their gratitude.
City fan Fred Taylor, 82, told The Associated Press: “He means everything to me and this club. What he’s done for this club is just amazing.” “I can’t think of another coach who accomplished as much as he did in his 10 years here.”
Guardiola joined City in the summer of 2016 and led the Abu Dhabi-owned side to six Premier League titles and their first Champions League title in 2023.
“It’s something we’ve always wanted to do…we’ve never done it,” Taylor said. “That was probably the highlight of his tenure.”
Guardiola’s trophies include this season’s domestic double of the English League Cup and FA Cup. He will lead City to the treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, matching Manchester United’s feat in 1999 more than 20 years ago.
First up to 100 points
There were other benchmarks as well. In 2018, City became the first team to win four consecutive English league titles and the first team to accumulate 100 points in a single season. The following year, City became the first team to win the domestic league, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.
Beyond trophies, Guardiola has also connected with City fans, telling them on Sunday: “If I see him in the future, I want him to give me a hug,” adding: “I’m going to need that.”
City fan Richard Wilborn said: “It’s hard to explain in words. He’s someone you don’t really know, but you feel like you know him.” “When I heard the news[that he was leaving]I got a little emotional. What he has done for the club is completely unreal and something we have never seen in our lives.”
“Growing up from my mid-20s to my mid-30s, (he) has been a huge part of my life.”
City paid tribute to Guardiola by naming their newly developed north stand after him. He will also serve as a global ambassador.
“I’m sad to see him go, but I think he’s leaving at the right time,” Taylor said. “He can’t go any further with this club because he’s done everything, but I think he’s done a great job and I wish him the best.”
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