Pep Guardiola era ends at Manchester City after decade of dominance and 20 trophies

Pep Guardiola transformed City into a dominant force, guiding them to 20 major honours, including six Premier League titles and their first UCL triumph.

Updated on: May 22, 2026, 16:29:30 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have brought an end to their remarkable partnership after the conclusion of the ongoing season, closing a defining chapter in modern English football. Over the past decade, Guardiola transformed City into a dominant force, guiding them to 20 major honours, including six Premier League titles and their first UEFA Champions League triumph.

Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City after 10 years. (REUTERS)

The club’s sustained success under his leadership is widely regarded as one of the most dominant eras in Premier League history, built on tactical innovation, consistency, and an uncompromising winning mentality. His final match in charge at the Etihad Stadium is scheduled to be against Aston Villa on Sunday, marking the emotional end of his managerial reign.

While stepping away from the dugout, Guardiola is expected to remain within the City Football Group structure in a global ambassadorial capacity. His departure signals the close of a period that not only reshaped Manchester City’s identity but also raised the standards of success across English football.

"What a time we have had together!" Guardiola said in a club statement.

"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time.

"Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."

"Despite his departure as Manager of Manchester City, Pep will continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador. The role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations," City stated in the release.

Manchester City miss out PL title this season

Although Manchester City secured a domestic cup double, Pep Guardiola’s hopes of a seventh Premier League title ended after a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday, a result that confirmed Arsenal as champions. The dropped points came at a decisive stage of the season, effectively sealing the title race in Arsenal’s favour. Despite another strong campaign and more silverware added to their collection, City fell just short in the league this time, with Arsenal holding their nerve to finish top of the table.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola's staff at City, has been widely reported as the man set to take over at the Etihad.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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