Pep Guardiola’s decision regarding his future at Manchester City will not be influenced by the departure of his long-time ally and director of football, Txiki Begiristain, at the end of the season. Begiristain, who has been with the club since 2012, confirmed he will step down after serving far longer than initially planned, leaving Guardiola to ponder his next steps as his own contract nears its expiration.
Txiki Begiristain’s Legacy at Manchester City
Txiki Begiristain has been a key figure behind Manchester City’s rise to dominance in English football. Arriving in 2012, four years before Guardiola, the two have shared a close working relationship since their days together at FC Barcelona. Their partnership has yielded unprecedented success for City, with Guardiola often praising Begiristain’s influence on and off the pitch.
Guardiola, reflecting on their relationship, said:
“Txiki has been massively important at this club… He has been stable in the club, and part of the enormous success we’ve had in terms of results. He’s also a close friend and we’ve known each other for 25 or 30 years.”
Guardiola’s Contract and Man City Future
With Guardiola’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, speculation surrounding his future continues to mount. However, reports indicate that Begiristain’s exit will not be a decisive factor in Guardiola’s next move. The City manager has spent more time at the club than at any of his previous positions, leading to speculation that this season could be his last at the helm.
In a statement following City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, Guardiola hinted that his time at the club could be coming to an end. Despite his success, Guardiola has not confirmed whether he will extend his stay or seek new challenges elsewhere.
“This could be my final season,” Guardiola suggested, though no firm decision has been made.
Manchester City’s Preparations for the Future
Manchester City is already preparing for the post-Begiristain era, with reports stating that a new director of football has been lined up to replace the outgoing executive by early 2025. The transition is set to be smooth, with a six-month handover period to ensure continuity as Guardiola and the club plot their future.
Guardiola’s Historic Achievements at Manchester City
Under Guardiola, Manchester City has dominated English football, making history by winning four consecutive Premier League titles—something no other manager has accomplished. Guardiola also became the only manager to win the treble twice, cementing his legacy in the sport. As City prepares for the next phase, Guardiola’s decision on whether to extend his reign will have significant ramifications for the club’s future.
