Pep Guardiola has explained importance of ‘close friend’ Txiki Begiristain’s exit

Manchester City is facing a pivotal period as they approach the year 2025, amid speculation about Pep Guardiola’s future at the club. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, some suggest the verdict on the Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges could influence his decision to stay or leave. However, Guardiola has previously indicated that a guilty verdict might strengthen his resolve to remain at Manchester City, even in the event of relegation. Meanwhile, other factors, such as changes in staff and leadership, may be playing a more significant role in his considerations.

Pep Guardiola said, “If you take a look at the clubs who have success, they have had the same sporting director or hierarchy for a long time. Building something takes time. If they believe in the sporting director and the manager and the manager with the players, you know exactly what you have to do. Txiki has been massively important at this club. He was here before I arrived and was stable in the club. He has been really important in these years and part of the enormous success we’ve had in terms of results and many things, he has been so important. I do ask him to take responsibility with the media, talk a bit, but he’s so shy. He wants to be behind the scenes so all the shots and the weapons are directed to me but it was the same in Barcelona. He’s a close friend and we’ve known each other 25 or 30 years. He’s calm and that balance helps us work perfectly together.”

Txiki Begiristain, the sporting director at Manchester City whose tenure predates Guardiola’s, is reportedly set to leave in the summer. Begiristain agreed to stay on five years ago to support Guardiola but is now considering his departure. Earlier departures, such as Omar Berrada’s move to Manchester United in January, were seen as potential signs of instability, yet Guardiola maintained his confidence in Begiristain’s impact on the club. The relationship between Guardiola and Begiristain has been crucial to City’s success, and questions arise about Guardiola’s willingness to continue his role without his long-time ally.