'Goodbye' Guardiola, Leaving Manchester City... UK BBC "Preparing for Farewell"

*This content was translated by AI.

Pep Guardiola, who has elevated Manchester City to the world's elite, is widely expected to leave the club at the end of this season. Major local outlets are also increasingly confident in reporting his departure.

On the 19th (Korean time), the UK's 'Daily Mail' exclusively reported that "Guardiola, one of the greatest managers in English football history, will step down as Manchester City manager after the final Premier League (EPL) match against Aston Villa."

The outlet further stated, "Guardiola spent 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, lifting 20 trophies and transforming Manchester City into the world's top club. The club has already begun informing sponsors that an announcement of Guardiola's departure is imminent. This news is also an open secret among his closest associates."

According to the report, the official announcement is expected to be confirmed on the day of the Villa match. A ceremony honoring his achievements is likely to be held on a Monday, coinciding with major World Cup-related events or a victory parade.

The UK's influential 'BBC' also confirmed on the same day, "Manchester City is preparing for Guardiola's departure after the final league match against Villa."

The 'BBC' explained, "Club staff and players are also aware that Guardiola will leave the team at the end of this season. While the club's official stance is that Guardiola's contract extends into next season and they hope he will stay, internally they have already begun discussing how to commemorate his achievements in anticipation of his departure. It is also reported that the club is considering naming the newly expanded North Stand after Guardiola."

Over the past 10 years, Guardiola has collected a total of 20 trophies with Manchester City, including six EPL titles, the club's first UEFA Champions League (UCL), three English Football Association (FA) Cups, and five League Cups. This season, Manchester City has already won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, and with a fierce battle for the league title against Arsenal, there remains a possibility of adding a seventh league title.

In contrast, Guardiola himself has remained silent on official occasions, mentioning contract clauses and duration. In a recent press conference, when asked if the FA Cup final appearance at Wembley would be his last visit, he drew a line by saying, "Absolutely not. I have one more year on my contract." In an interview with 'BBC', he also answered regarding his stay for the next season, "Yes. I have a contract and I will be here."

Later, at a press conference held ahead of the AFC Bournemouth match, when asked about his farewell, he sighed and said, "Let's move to the next question. I have said this countless times. I have one more year on my contract," holding back his words. Regarding the rumor about naming the North Stand, he maintained a cautious attitude, stating, "I know nothing about it. Honestly, the club doesn't need to do anything for me."

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca, who previously managed Chelsea, and Vincent Kompany, manager of Bayern Munich, are being mentioned as candidates for the next head coach.

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*This content was translated by AI.